How A Low-Fat, Plant-Based Diet Can Help Manage Type 2 Diabetes

By: Ruelle Champion

Dietary changes are a big part of living a healthy life with type 2 diabetes. The obvious changes include limiting sugars, counting carbohydrates in each meal, and swapping out processed foods. A new poll conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine suggests that most adults don’t know that a plant-based diet can also make a difference in preventing and managing type 2 diabetes.

What Did the Poll Reveal?

The poll surveyed more than 2,200 adults from a range of ages, races/ethnicities, education levels, and genders, among other demographic factors. It found that 21 percent of those surveyed are aware that a low-fat, plant-based diet is beneficial for preventing or improving type 2 diabetes. Most adults confidently knew that a ketogenic (keto)diet, or a diet that restricts carbohydrates, tends to be a default option for many diabetics.

What’s a Low-Fat, Plant-Based Diet, and How is it Beneficial for Diabetics?

A low-fat, plant-based diet focuses on vegetables, fruits, beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds. It also avoids animal products like meats and dairy, along with limiting processed foods and added oils. There are a number of overall health benefits that trickle down from this dietary change for type 2 diabetics, including better control of blood sugar levels, weight loss, and lower risk of heart disease. For example, this diet helps limit fats in the liver, which can interfere with insulins job of regulating blood sugar. It can also help reduce fatty liver disease, which commonly affects type 2 diabetics who aren’t managing their diet.

What Does the American Diabetes Association Say?

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recognizes the benefits of plant-based diets for people with type 2 diabetes. However, researchers with the organization share that there are pros and cons to this dietary option. For example, the benefits of a plant-based diet happen after at least 12 weeks of consistency, and diabetics on this diet have to be sure to have enough vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and protein.

How to Get Started on a Plant-Based Diet as a Diabetic

Following a plant-based diet, along with a regular exercise routine, can also contribute to reversal of type 2 diabetes but consistency is key. It’s important to first consult with an endocrinologist and a nutritionist about starting the plant-based diet to ensure it aligns with your treatment plan.

To learn more about Jackson Health System’s endocrinology specialty or make an appointment with an endocrinologist, visit Jackson Medical Group Endocrinology or call 305-585-4564.