VEGETARIAN DIET CAN HELP PREVENT AND MANAGE DIABETES

 

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Vegetarian diet is beneficial to prevent and manage diabetes

The National Library of Medicine contains a study by Olfert and Wattick. [1] The study referred to recent findings that a vegetarian diet characterized by whole plant foods is most beneficial for diabetes prevention and management. [1] The summary states that vegetarian diets are inversely associated with risk of developing diabetes independent of the positive association of meat consumption with diabetes development. 

Diabetes has reached epidemic levels

Diabetes has reached epidemic levels worldwide. [1] Prevention of this disease and finding sustainable ways to manage it, can have positive effects for the health of the population as well as the economy. [1] 

Helpful foods

Approximately 90% of diabetes diagnoses are type 2 (T2DM), which is lifestyle-related. The causes of type 2 diabetes mellitus are largely modifiable, particularly diet. The functionality of certain foods have been found to improve the symptoms of diabetes. Particularly helpful (therapeutic) foods are whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables. Polyphenols, the compound found in many of these foods, is helpful in improving diabetic symptoms. [1]

Polyphenols

The study by Barik et.al, found that dietary polyphenols (DP's), are naturally occurring compounds found in various plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and are known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects. [2]

Types of vegetarian diets

There are various types of vegetarian diets.

1. Vegan diet - consumption of no foods from any animal

2. Lacto-ovo-vegetarians - do not consume meat from animal muscle, but still consume milk, milk products, and eggs

3. Pesco-vegetarians (pescatarians) - consume fish, milk, milk products, and eggs

Small amounts of meat consumption increases risk of diabetes

Even small amounts of meat consumption have been shown to increase the risk of developing diabetes. [1] A vegetarian diet adopted early on can prevent the onset of diabetes. [1]

53% lower risk for developing diabetes

Those adopting a vegetarian diet after being largely non-vegetarian had a 53% lower risk for developing diabetes than non-vegetarians. [1]

Lower risk of ischemic heart disease

Vegetarians had a 32% lower risk of ischemic heart disease. [1]

Vegetarian diets in diabetes treatment

The impact of dietary interventions on diabetes has been examined. Several studies have found that medication use significantly decreased when participants adopted any type of vegetarian or vegan diet. [1]

Vegetarian diets help prevent and treat diabetes

The conclusion of the study by Olfert et al., was that the benefits of all types of vegetarian diets in the prevention and treatment of diabetes have been well established. [1] 

[1] Vegetarian Diets and the Risk of Diabetes. Melissa D Olfert, Rachel A Wattick. 2018. Springer. National Library of Medicine. doi: 10.1007/s11892-018-1070-9

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6153574/

[2] Dietary polyphenols as potential therapeutic agents in Type 2 diabetes management: advances and opportunities. Sisir Kumar Barik et al. Advances in Nutrition. 2025

doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.advnut.2024.100346

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2161831324001807

With thanks to pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov and www.sciencedirect.com

Image courtesy of Freepik with CN Whittle

*Disclaimer; Please note that the information on this Herbal Post is not meant to replace your Doctor or Health Professional  or Herbalist care