Vegetarian and Vegan Diets in Type 2 Diabetes Management

Vegetarian and vegan diets have many advantages that are worth considering. Now, I am not a vegetarian or a vegan but I do know that these diets provide many health advantages that are important for those who suffer from type 2 diabetes. Vegan and vegetarian diets are based off of a healthful diet that includes vegetables, fruits, lentils, carbohydrates (not for vegans), and dairy products (also not for vegans). According to my article, it states that "individuals following vegetarian diets are about half as likely to develop diabetes, compared with non-vegetarians."  The article also explains that following a low-fat vegan diet can improve glycemic control. Glycemic control is being able to control the increase of glucose that occurs when eating certain foods. Most people with type 2 diabetes have an issue controlling their glucose levels and being able to have a more stable control over this is a major way to help control your diabetes.

The article also explains that "Vegetarian and vegan diets also improve plasma lipid concentrations and have been shown to reverse atherosclerosis progression." This is extremely important to consider because atherosclerosis is a major problem in overweight adults, especially those who have type 2 diabetes. Atherosclerosis is described as the build up of plaque in major arteries, such as ones that lead to the heart, brain, or even lungs and can cause major heart attacks or strokes.

There are some risks, however, when following a vegetarian or vegan diet. Deficiencies in iron, some vitamin B complexes and even calcium (for those who are vegan because of the complete cut out of dairy products) can occur. This can lead to the use of supplementation, which to most, isn't such a bad thing. Do you think that having to take multiple supplementations is worth it? Because if you do not follow a vegetarian or vegan diet correctly, it can cause major problems.

I was drawn to this article for many reasons; I am really interested in vegetarian and vegan diets and the affects they have on type 2 diabetes, but I am also very interested in finding more ways to help manage diabetes as a whole. I feel that diet is such an important aspect when you have this disease, and finding other ways to help either change up your diet (so you don't feel you are eating the same things) or even completely change your diet to something that is more manageable.

So here is my question; do you think that prescribing a vegetarian or vegan diet is an acceptable way to help manage type 2 diabetes? Is it worth the risks for deficiencies in such important vitamins and minerals? Do you think that supplementation is the BEST way to help improve these deficiencies?

Sorry for so many questions, you don't have to answer all of them. I am just really curious as to what you all think!

Here is the link to my article: It is a scientific study and really talks about type 2 diabetes at the very beginning of the article.
 Vegetarian and Vegan Diets in Type 2 Diabetes Management


Thanks for your time guys! Have a great day!