In a nutshell
This study looked at the effect of a brown rice based vegan diet compared to a typical diabetic diet on blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes. The study concluded that both diets reduced blood sugar levels, but the vegan diet was more effective.
Some background
In type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients either do not produce enough insulin (a hormone that lowers blood sugar levels) or the body cannot effectively use the insulin that is produced. Medicine can be used to control blood sugar levels but maintaining a healthy diet is essential for managing T2D.
A vegan diet that does not include meat, fish, or any animal product (such as dairy). Vegan diets have been shown in at least one study to be effective at reducing blood glucose levels. It is not clear whether a vegan diet will be as effective in those who already eat a small amount of animal products, such as Asian cultures.
Methods & findings
93 Korean T2D patients were included in this study. The patients were split into 2 groups. Over a 12 week period, one group followed a vegan diet and the other group followed a diet that would be typically recommended for a T2D patient. The diets were followed for 12 weeks.
The vegan diet was made up of food such as brown rice (less processed than white rice), beans, seaweed and green vegetables. This group did not eat any eggs, dairy, meat, fish or processed food. The typical diabetic diet restricted patients’ calorie intake based on their body weight, physical activity and need for weight control. Carbohydrates, protein and fats were all included in this diet.
The vegan diet led to a 0.5% decrease in blood sugar levels. The typical diabetic diet led to a 0.2% decrease in blood sugar levels. In addition, the vegan diet led to a significant decrease in body mass index (a measure of body fat based on height and weight) and waist circumference.
The bottom line
This study concluded that a vegan diet can lower blood sugar levels in patients with T2D more effectively than a typical diabetic diet. Patients following a vegan diet also saw more significant weight loss.
The fine print
This study was carried out on a small group of patients in Korea. The diet that would typically be advised for T2D patients in Korea may be different than in other countries.
What’s next?
Consult with your physician for advice on how to improve your diet for management of type 2 diabetes.
Published By :
PLOS ONE
Date :
Jun 02, 2016
