because gel-forming soluble fibers delay how quickly carbohydrates can be absorbed from
the intestine.Although many of the nutrients listed above may be found on the shelves of health food stores, their
true benefits can only be gained by consuming them in their natural state—as part of unprocessed
plant-based foods. Results from several clinical trials of dietary supplements have produced
disappointing results for conditions like diabetes, despite all of the positive evidence seen when
they are consumed regularly in the diet.^125 This finding is significant, suggesting there really is no
substitute for a 90% or more plant-based, nutrient-rich diet.
But a nutrient-rich diet is not only about prevention; it is also an effective treatment for type 2
diabetes. Increasing your consumption of plant foods has been shown to help improve blood
glucose levels and increase insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes (often more than
conventional diabetes diet recommendations do). These improvements are generally maintained
for at least two to three years and usually result in the reduction of prescription diabetes
medication.^126
In one study assessing the overall impact of very low-fat vegetarian diets on 652 diabetics,
University of California researchers found that 39% of patients being treated with insulin were able
to stop their insulin after switching to a plant-based diet. For those taking oral diabetes
medications, 71% were able to discontinue their treatment.^127
As you can see, nutrient-rich plant foods are potent diabetes-fighters. By following a 90% or more
plant-based, nutrient-rich diet, you will be able to keep your glucose levels within the normal range
without relying on medications or insulin that can actually make things worse. And who knows, one
day you may even find that your diabetes is gone for good!
Hallfrisch J, Scholfield DJ, Behall KM. Diets containing soluble oat extracts improve glucose and insulin responses of
moderately hypercholesterolemic men and women. Am J Clin Nutr. 1995;61:379-384.
(^125) Lui S, Ajani U, Chai C, Hennekens C, Buring JE, Manson JE. Long-term β-carotene supplementation and risk of type 2
diabetes mellitus. A randomized controlled trial. J Am Med Assoc. 1999;282:1073-1075.
Marchioli R, Schweiger C, Levantesi G, Tavazzi L, Valagussa F. Antioxidant vitamins and prevention of cardiovascular
disease: epidemiological and clinical trial data. Lipids. 2001;36:53-63S.
(^126) Barnard RJ, Massey MR, Cherny S, O’Brien LT, Pritikin N. Long-term use of a high-complex-carbohydrate, high-fiber,
low-fat diet and exercise in the treatment of NIDDM patients. Diabetes Care. 1983;6:268-273.
Barnard RJ, Lattimore L, Holly RG, Cherny S, Pritikin N. Response of non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients to an
intensive program of diet and exercise. Diabetes Care. 1982;5:370-374.
(^127) Barnard RJ, Jung T, Inkeles SB. Diet and exercise in the treatment of NIDDM: the need for early emphasis. Diabetes Care.
1994;17:1469-1472.