In next month’s issue of Nutrition Reviews, PCRM researchers publish a summary of research to date on the effect of vegetarian diets on type 2 diabetes. Observational studies (in which there is no attempt to affect the outcome) showed lower diabetes prevalence among vegetarians as compared to omnivores. Intervention trials (in which a group is asked to make a change) showed increased effectiveness for diabetes management as measured by blood glucose control. Possible mechanisms for improvements on a low-fat, plant-based diet include increased weight loss, reduced intake of high-glycemic foods, reduced fat storage in cells, and increased intake of fiber.

Barnard ND, Katcher HI, Jenkins DJA, Cohen J, Turner-McGrievy G. Vegetarian and vegan diets in type 2 diabetes management. Nutr Rev. 2009;67:255–263.

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