The benefits of a plant-based diet in type 2 diabetes are by now well known and have been well researched. As a dietitian-nutritionist specializing in autoimmunity and clinical nutrition, educated in plant-based nutrition and former head of the Department of Immunology and Diabetes at Newcastle University Hospital, I have seen and documented many cases where dietary support has been able to produce spectacular results.
The effect of a plant-based diet, however, on type 1 diabetes had not been studied until now. Type 1 diabetes –also known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes- is an autoimmune disease where the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas are destroyed, resulting in a decrease in insulin and increased glucose in the blood and urine. Good news is that a new study sheds light on the effect of a plant-based diet in type 1 diabetes.
Research findings
A new study led by Physicians Committee Clinical Research Director Hana Kahleova, MD, has shown that a low-fat vegan diet has a strikingly beneficial effect on type 1 diabetes. Physicians Committee researchers had already established the low-fat vegan diet as the dietary treatment of choice for type 2 diabetes, and now it was time to study the effect on this type of diabetes.
In the 12-week trial, despite the increased carbohydrate intake, participants on the vegetarian diet reduced their total daily insulin dose by 12.1 units/day and lost an average of 5.2 kg. At the same time, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol dropped in the vegetarian group, as did the ratio of blood urea nitrogen to creatinine, and glycosylated hemoglobin decreased in both groups.
Although the primary problem in type 1 diabetes is, as mentioned, the autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, patients often also have insulin resistance, just as in type 2 diabetes. A low-fat vegetarian diet effectively addresses insulin resistance by reducing insulin requirements and improving body weight, and has a good impact on glycemic control and markers of cardiovascular and renal health compared to a portion-controlled diet in people with type 1 diabetes.
Your diet in such cases, but also in general, should include a variety of plant foods of all colors, i.e. fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains. This will ensure the above benefits, along with antioxidant protection and a strong immune system. It’s a win-win situation!
Resources
https://www.pcrm.org/news/health-nutrition/vegan-diet-reduces-insulin-requirements-type-1-diabetes
https://diabetesjournals.figshare.com/articles/figure/_b_Effect_of_a_Dietary_Intervention_on_Insulin_Requirements_and_Glycemic_Control_in_Type_1_Diabetes_b_b_A_12-Week_Randomized_Clinical_Trial_b_/25345516
