Nutrition Education Needed for Type 2 Diabetes Treatment

Despite knowledge that a plant-based diet can be used in the prevention and treatment of diabetes, research published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism finds a large discrepancy in what is being put into practice. Researchers tracked 98 patients with type 2 diabetes and staff of the Diabetes Education Centre (DEC) in York Region, Ontario, Canada. The researchers surveyed the patients on their awareness and education of plant-based diets, while the staff received questionnaires to access their attitudes towards plant-based diets and treatment for type 2 diabetes. Results showed that less than half of those surveyed knew of the impact plant-based diets may have on chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. While many patients lacked confidence in how a nutrition intervention may improve or prevent their disease, two-thirds cited interest and openness toward nutrition education and interventions for disease prevention and improvement. The study calls for increased nutrition education and awareness of the potential benefits of a plant-based diet for type 2 diabetes patients.