Remission of Type 2 Diabetes with High-Fiber, Low-Fat, and Calorie Restricted Plant-Based Diet Study

Abstract

Background: Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a chronic progressive disease, and its prevalence is on the rise around the world. Despite advances in pharmacotherapy, mitigating the burden of the disease on individuals, societies and the healthcare system remains a challenge. Remission has emerged as a therapeutic target in T2D with wide range of interventions. A plant-based diet seems to be promising to achieve this goal. Objective:The present study is conducted to establish the feasibility of achieving remission of type 2 diabetes with a plant-based diet in a cohort of free-living individuals.Methods: This cohort of patients were referred to our Wellness Clinic for management of various cardiovascular conditions and associated metabolic disorders. They were educated and counseled to adopt a plant-based diet while receiving standard medical treatment. The present study included non-pregnant adults 20 years and older, mostly elderly, with the diagnosis of T2D (HbA1c > 6.5%), with or without on antidiabetic medications. The remission of diabetes is defined as improving HbA1c to < 6.1%, without antidiabetic medications except metformin. Results:The cohort is composed of 83 patients with mean age 70.1 (SD +/-9.64) years and 36% were women. The results are reported as disease status at the time of diagnosis (1), disease status immediately prior to adoption of diet (2), and disease status post diet at 3-6 months (3), and disease status post diet after 6 months (4) (Table 1). For comparison, the averages of the two pre-diet parameters and the averages of the two post-diet parameters are given in this summary (Table 2). These are -BMI (kg/m2) 32.93 has changed to 29.85, a decrease of 3.08 (-9.35%) with p < 0.0000, systolic blood pressure (mm of Hg) 133.21 has changed to 131.09, a decrease of 2.12 (-1.59%) with p = 0.1054, diastolic blood pressure (mm of Hg) 74.81 increased to 73.02, a decrease of 1.79 (-2.39%) with p = 0.2592, Hemoglobin A1c 7.3% changed to 5.82%, a decrease of 1.48 points (-20.27%), p < 0.0000, fasting glucose (mg/ dl) 137.30 changed to 108.53 mg/dl , a decrease of 28.77 points (-20.95%), p < 0.0000, HDL cholesterol (mg/dl) 44.44 changed to 45.01, an increase of 0.66 points (+1.49%), p 0.4841, LDL cholesterol (mg/dl) 84.08 changed to 74.43, a decrease of 9.65 points (-11.48%), p 0.0011, Triglyceride (mg/dl) 164.48 decreased to 122.47, a decrease of 42.01 points (-25.54%), p 0.0149. Conclusion:A plant-based diet has been successful in achieving remission of type 2 diabetes in this group of patients, even in their advanced age.