Study shows plant-based diets high in carbs can improve insulin sensitivity in type 1 diabetes

Study shows plant-based diets high in carbs can improve insulin sensitivity in type 1 diabetes

According to new case studies, plant-based diets rich in whole carbohydrates can improve insulin sensitivity and other health markers in individuals with type 1 diabetes.

The two case studies are done by researchers from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine in the Journal of Diabetes and Metabolism.

Both case studies followed individuals with type 1 diabetes who adopted plant-based diets rich in whole carbohydrates--including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.

The patients' health care teams tracked their blood sugar control, heart disease risk factors, and other health measurements before and after the diet change.

One case study followed a female patient who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2018.

At the time, her A1c was 8.7 per cent.

She initially adopted a low-carbohydrate (less than 30 grams of carbohydrate per day), high-fat diet that was high in meat and dairy.

Her blood sugar stabilised, but she required more insulin per gram of carbohydrate consumed.

Her total cholesterol also increased from 175 to 221 mg/dL.

In January 2019, she switched to a plant-based diet, eliminating dairy products, eggs, and meat.

The patient was able to decrease her insulin dosage, maintain her A1c level at 5.4%, and drop her cholesterol level to 158 mg/dL.