Following a plant-based, whole-food diet can reverse type 2 diabetes, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine in collaboration with the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.
The study involved a sample of 59 patients with type 2 diabetes, who saw significant improvements in both their BMI and blood glucose control, with 37% of them achieving full remission of their diabetes.
The patients, whose ages ranged from 41 to 89, adopted a low-fat, high-fibre eating pattern that consisted of fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds, with 75% of calories derived from complex carbohydrates, 15% from plant-based protein and 10% from fat. Disallowed on the diet were animal-derived products, processed foods and added fats/oils, though a small quantity of egg white and no-fat dairy were permitted. While adhering to the diet, the patients also received standard medical treatment at a wellness centre in Virginia.
Although past studies have demonstrated the positive effect that plant-predominant eating patterns can have on diabetes, such studies focused on calorie restriction. This latest study is unique in assessing remission as a primary outcome, and provides new information on the feasibility of remission in individuals with type 2 diabetes simply by eating healthy food.
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