5 reasons why a plant-based diet helps Type 2 diabetes

A plant-based diet is unlikely to cure Type 2 diabetes, but it may offer some health benefits over meat. Here are five reasons to consider adopting a plant-based diet to help with Type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body does not make enough insulin or does not respond to insulin in the way that it should. Eating a plant-based diet influences your nutrient intake and body composition in a range of ways that may make your body more responsive to insulin. Plant-based diets are high in fibre, which means they help you feel fuller with fewer calories.

When you take in fewer calories than you use, you will lose weight — an important effect, given that high levels of body fat are linked to insulin resistance. Plant-based diets are also low in fat. When you switch to a plant-based diet, the proportions of good and bad fats in your diet will change for the better, and this may improve your insulin sensitivity. Together, these two effects may reduce your dependence on medication and prevent or delay diabetes-related complications.

Type 2 diabetes is closely associated with weight, and studies reveal that around 80 per cent of people with Type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. If you're overweight, maintaining a healthy weight can help you better manage your diabetes. Plant-based diets tend to be lower in calories than meat-based diets and may assist you with controlling your weight.

Plant-based diets are a good source of bulking fibre. When fibre enters your stomach, it absorbs water and swells up, helping you feel satisfied for longer and making you less likely to snack during the day. You do not need to avoid snacking if you have diabetes, but it's important to remember that certain snacks can raise your blood sugar level, making it harder for you to control your diabetes. If you must snack, choose high fibre or protein-rich snacks over snacks high in sugar.

Type 2 diabetes increases your risk of heart disease. Plant-based diets, which are usually low in saturated fat and cholesterol, can help you to reduce your saturated fat and cholesterol intake. This, in turn, can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing your risk for heart problems.

Type 2 diabetes raises your risk of developing a number of cancers, including breast and bowel cancers. Plant-based diets help protect against cancer by providing you with nutrients such as antioxidants and phytochemicals, whose actions help reduce the risk of certain cancers. Plant-based diets also help reduce the risk of cancer indirectly by helping you maintain a healthy body weight.

When you have Type 2 diabetes, you must maintain a healthy lifestyle. Adopting a plant-based diet may go a long way towards regulating your blood sugar levels and reducing your likelihood of developing diabetes-related complications.