Many type 2 diabetes cases could be avoided by adopting a healthy plant-based diet, according to a study by scientists at Queen’s University Belfast. The study, which observed more than 113,000 people over a 12-year period, found that a higher intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to a plant-based diet high in snacks, desserts, refined grains, and sugary drinks.
Even for those genetically predisposed to the disease and those with other risk factors like obesity, the high fruit, vegetable, and wholegrain diet can reduce the risk of diabetes by 24 percent, the researchers at Queen’s University added. The authors of the study believe that healthy plant-based diets may protect against type 2 diabetes by lowering body fatness and blood sugar levels, reducing inflammation, and improving kidney and liver function.
This is one of the first studies to try and identify how a healthful plant-based diet might reduce the risk, said co-lead author Prof Tilman Kuhn, chair in public health nutrition at the University of Vienna. Our results suggest that such a diet exerts anti-diabetic effects via a range of mechanisms including blood sugar and lipid levels and lower body fatness.
The global prevalence of diabetes is currently at 6 percent and is projected to increase to 10 percent by 2050. Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 95 percent of all diabetes cases. In Ireland, about 10 percent of adults aged over 50 have type 2 diabetes, with the number rising to 16 percent for those aged over 80.
The findings of the study highlight the importance of a healthy plant-based diet in preventing and managing type 2 diabetes. Making conscious choices to include more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in our everyday meals can have a significant impact on reducing the risk of developing this chronic condition. By prioritizing these nutrient-rich foods over processed snacks and sugary drinks, individuals can take proactive steps towards better health and well-being.
While genetic factors play a role in diabetes risk, the study suggests that lifestyle choices can still have a powerful effect on disease prevention. The researchers at Queen’s University Belfast hope that their findings will encourage individuals to make healthier food choices and promote the adoption of plant-based diets as a means to combat the growing diabetes epidemic.
It is evident from our study that a healthy plant-based diet can be a powerful tool in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes. By focusing on consuming more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, we can make significant progress in reducing the burden of this disease on individuals and society as a whole, said co-lead author Prof Aedín Cassidy from the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s.
The study, which sheds light on the potential benefits of plant-based diets in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, was published in the Diabetes & Metabolism journal. With the prevalence of diabetes on the rise globally, such research plays a crucial role in guiding public health policies and promoting lifestyle changes that can have a positive impact on individuals’ lives.
In conclusion, adopting a healthy plant-based diet can be a key factor in preventing many cases of type 2 diabetes. By incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into our meals, we can lower the risk of developing this chronic condition and improve overall health and well-being. The findings of this study serve as a reminder of the power of nutrition in disease prevention and the importance of making informed dietary choices.
