Managing type 2 diabetes is a challenge to even the most motivated patient. Much thought and planning goes into day to day management of type 2 diabetes. When it comes to diet it is becoming clear that not all diets are equal. Research has already shown that low-fat diets can help in the maintenance of type 2 diabetes. What about a vegan diet, how does it fit into the paradigm of diabetic maintenance?
In a recent clinical trial researchers compared the nutritional value among type 2 diabetics who followed either a low fat vegan diet or the American Diabetes Association nutritional recommendations. The participants were evaluated for nutrient intake scores and in accordance with the Alternate Healthy Index Score system. At the end of the study the vegans were the victors, calories, sodium, fat and cholesterol were reduced. The AHA diet reported decreases in carbs, and iron. The vegan diet reported increases in carbs and several other micronutrients. The results of this study were published in the Journal of the American Diabetic Association (108[10], 1636-45).
Results of this study are promising and clearly demonstrate that a vegan diet can be a healthy alternative for type 2 diabetics, however you should always consult with your physician before making any changes in diet.
Managing type 2 diabetes is a challenge to even the most motivated patient. Much thought and planning goes into day to day management of type 2 diabetes. When it comes to diet it is becoming clear that not all diets are equal. Research has already shown that low-fat diets can help in the maintenance of type 2 diabetes. What about a vegan diet, how does it fit into the paradigm of diabetic maintenance?
In a recent clinical trial researchers compared the nutritional value among type 2 diabetics who followed either a low fat vegan diet or the American Diabetes Association nutritional recommendations. The participants were evaluated for nutrient intake scores and in accordance with the Alternate Healthy Index Score system. At the end of the study the vegans were the victors, calories, sodium, fat and cholesterol were reduced. The AHA diet reported decreases in carbs, and iron. The vegan diet reported increases in carbs and several other micronutrients. The results of this study were published in the Journal of the American Diabetic Association (108[10], 1636-45).
Results of this study are promising and clearly demonstrate that a vegan diet can be a healthy alternative for type 2 diabetics, however you should always consult with your physician before making any changes in diet.