A vegan diet could help people with diabetes control their blood sugar

According to research published in May 2021, adopting a vegan diet can help control blood glucose levels in people with, or at risk of developing, type 2 diabetes.

 The study analysed whether a plant-based diet could lower the amount of TMAO (trimethylamine N-oxide) production, improve blood sugar control, and decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes symptoms.

 TMAO is produced when the gut breaks down food, predominantly animal products, and is linked to a higher likelihood of developing heart disease, which is associated with type 2 diabetes.

 Researchers examined 23 clinically obese people with, or at risk of developing, type 2 diabetes. Before the study, participants had a complete health check, including their TMAO, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.

 For eight weeks, the participants were urged to keep their routines the same apart from swapping their usual meals for vegan meals.

 Results showed that TMAO levels decreased by almost 50% after one week and then remained almost steady at eight weeks. After returning to their usual eating habits, the participants’ TMAO levels returned to their previous levels after only four weeks.

 Professor Tom Yates, professor at the University of Leicester and co-author on the study, explained: “Recent research into the causes of type 2 diabetes has found a strong association between a molecule in the blood called TMAO and increased risk of heart disease. 

 “Research has found that TMAO is particularly linked to animal products in the diet such as red meat, eggs and dairy. Due to the increased risk of patients with type 2 diabetes also developing heart disease, research suggests that there is a connection between diet, type 2 diabetes and heart functioning.” 

 Dr Stavroula Argyridou, a registered dietitian who conducted the research, elaborated: “Our findings suggest that a vegan diet could be an effective strategy for reducing TMAO and blood sugar levels in individuals with or at high risk of type 2 diabetes.” 

 This study was conducted in May 2021. Find out more about the research published in the Journal of Nutrition here.