Vegan Diet Improves Diet Quality, Cardiovascular Disease Risk, and Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

A low-fat vegan diet is associated with better diet quality, weight management, and blood glucose control compared to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) dietary recommendations for diabetes, according to a study by PCRM researchers published in the October 2008 Journal of the American Dietetic Association. Ninety-nine adults with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to follow either a low-fat vegan diet or the ADA dietary guidelines for 22 weeks. The vegan diet significantly improved the Alternate Healthy Eating Index score, which reflects better diet quality and has been associated with lower risk for cardiovascular disease. The vegan group consumed more carbohydrate, fiber, and several micronutrients. The vegan group also lost more weight and displayed better glucose control compared to the ADA group. Long-term adherence to a low-fat vegan diet may reduce the risk of major chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease, in people with type 2 diabetes.