Posted on December 13, 2007 in Diabetes FAQ
Yes, Going Vegetarian Helps Diabetes Patients. A high-fiber, low in protein vegetarian diet consisting of plenty of fruits and vegetables, apart from many other “veggie” foods helps in the control of blood glucose levels. Vegetarianism is good in the treatment of Diabetes Type 2 and in many cases it reverses it, reducing or even eliminating medication.
A nutritious vegetarian diet can help a diabetic to cope up with his disease as compared to an animal fat diet. A high – fat animal diet could prove to be a deterrent factor to controlling diabetes, whereas a less- in calorie vegetarian diet could prove a boon to alleviating his or her condition to a considerable degree. A shift to vegetarian diet cannot be over-looked by a diabetic due to religious and other emotional sentiments. A dietician can help him choose the foods that would not aggravate his or her health condition.
A vegetarian diet has been found to help in the treatment of chronic illnesses including diabetes. A well-planned vegetarian diet has proved to be more beneficial then a meat- based diet. One has to weigh its benefits against an animal diet and accordingly decide whether to switch over to a vegetarian diet.
The American Dietetic Association does recognize the benefits of a vegetarian diet and several studies and research have also favored a vegetarian diet for a diabetic. Scientific literature has focused upon the advantages of a vegetarian diet for diabetics. What are the advantages?
Benefits of Vegetarian Diet for a Diabetic
- Increased consumption of whole and grain nuts has helped in lowering the rates of diabetes
- It has been observed that the intake of fruit and vegetables was inversely linked with the incidence of diabetes and this was so in the case of women
- A higher mean HbA1C levels were found among those who ate less green leafy vegetables or fruits than those who frequently consumed them
- Many in China, where diabetes is on the increase, are also finding switching over to vegetarianism very beneficial in dealing with many health problems, including diabetes, particularly those who are into fast foods
- A high- fiber plant vegetarian diet is good in the case of Diabetic Type 2 disease. The diabetes can be at times reversed and medication can be done with
- Based on the findings in October 2001 issue of the British Journal of Nutrition as quoted in Diabetes and Diet by Jay B. Lavin e , M.D., vegetarians were less likely to develop Diabetes 2 when compared to non-obese meat eaters as “they were more sensitive to the effects of insulin on their blood sugar.”
- One should also consider diets that are high in carbohydrates and fiber and relatively low in protein as they help in the prevention of diabetic retinopathy
- The chances are better of blood glucose control in the case of a vegetarian diet. One should take whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables
- Fiber also proves to be a protective element in the case of pre-diabetics as it can mean lower daily insulin requirements
- A vegetarian diet is also high in magnesium, potassium and antioxidants
- As mentioned in the Diabetes Care journal quoted by Amy Campbell in Vegetarianism and Diabetes: Do the Two Mix? Part 1 the pros and cons of vegetarian diet have been discussed favoring it in the control of diabetes Type 2 as compared to the traditional diabetic diet that “used meal planning guidelines supported by American Diabetic Association”
Changing over to a vegetarian diet does help in the prevention and control of diabetes. Much research has been done to prove this fact. Vegetarianism may have been a fad at one time, but now it is of much concern to physicians with regard to its usefulness and practicality in controlling diabetes. Consult a physician for detailed awareness about its efficacy.
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December 13th, 2007 at 5:53 pm
This is a great article.
High fiber foods, like Miracle Muffins are another great way to help manage diabetes and weight loss.