People instantly withdraw at the idea of a vegan diet, but this attitude is changing gradually mainly among people with diabetes. By eating a balanced vegan diet low in cholesterol and saturated fat, blood glucose levels can be easier to control, avoiding instances of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Evidence shows that a vegan diet helps to promote weight loss and lowers the HbA1C, a critical parameter in fasting blood sugar levels.

What is a Vegan Diet?

A vegan is the strictest type of vegetarian. The vegan diet is referred to as a “total,” or “pure” vegetarian diet. People who follow vegan do not eat any meat or animal products, including eggs and dairy products such as clarified butter, curds & paneer. This also includes fish and seafood. They are on a plant-based diet that includes - vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes.

Is A Vegan Diet Hard For Diabetics To Follow?

Following a vegan diet does require some adjustments, but getting the right diabetes meal plan will help following a vegan diet easy for people with diabetes. Ensure the vegan diet is planned appropriately with balanced protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals.

Vegan diets do not need that calorie to be counted, making easier to follow than some diabetes diet.

Scientific Evidence That Supports Vegan Diet For Diabetes

Studies have shown that people who follow a low-fat vegan diet, avoiding meat and dairy, lower blood sugar levels very efficiently and lose weight. Researchers have shown that people with diabetes who eat a vegan diet also lower their cholesterol and improve kidney functioning.

A recent Cohort study published in the Journal of Geriatric Cardiology strongly supports the role of plant-based diet in treating type 2 diabetes and reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications.
A research published in the journal Cardiovascular Diagnosis and Therapy claims that a vegetarian diet (including vegan) diets have benefits for cardiovascular health, hypertension, body weight, and plasma lipids, and provide nutritional advantages compared with omnivorous diets. This could be used as a treatment alternative for type 2 diabetes.

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics states that "Vegetarian and vegan diets are appropriate for all stages of life, from infancy to adulthood, and may provide benefits for the prevention and treatment of diabetes, obesity and ischemic heart disease."

How A Vegan Diet Benefits Diabetics?

A vegetarian/vegan diet is high in fibre, keeping you satiated for a longer time. Fibre-rich foods are difficult to digest, so they affect your blood glucose more slowly. The high fibre foods make you eat less and have lower blood glucose readings to boot.

Vegan Diet Helps In Weight Loss

People with type II diabetes have a definite goal to lose weight. As weight loss is one of the best ways to attain diabetes control. Vegan diets with a lower glycaemic index and rich in fibre content, comprising bananas and other whooe grains are a great way of losing weight and improving body mass index.