The findings arrive at a crucial time, as insulin prices continue to surge across the United States, making affordability a growing concern for millions of Americans living with diabetes.
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How can a low-fat vegan diet help Type 1 Diabetes?
According to new research published in BMC Nutrition, a low-fat vegan diet could dramatically reduce insulin dependence among people with type 1 diabetes. The study, conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, revealed that this dietary approach helped participants lower both their insulin use and related expenses, without restricting calories or carbohydrates, as per a report by SciTech Daily.
Insulin plays a vital role in moving glucose from the bloodstream into cells for energy. However, when the body develops insulin resistance, glucose builds up in the blood. Researchers have long linked dietary fat to this resistance, noting that high-fat diets can make it harder for insulin to work effectively, as per a report by Sci Tech Daily.ALSO READ: Taylor Swift worried about Travis Kelce’s drug history — insiders say it’s taking a toll
What did the study find?
The study compared two groups, one following a low-fat vegan diet and another on a portion-controlled diet. Participants in the vegan group saw their total insulin doses drop by 28%, or 12.1 units per day, while the portion-controlled group showed no significant change.
Additionally, insulin costs fell by 27%, saving about $1.08 per day for those on the vegan plan. Researchers believe the reductions were due to improved insulin sensitivity, meaning the body became more responsive to insulin, as per a report by SciTech Daily.
The findings build on earlier results showing that a low-fat vegan diet also led to an average weight loss of 11 pounds and improved cholesterol, glycemic control, and kidney function.
Why does this matter amid rising insulin prices?
Insulin prices in the U.S. have soared in the last decade, with spending tripling to $22.3 billion in 2022, according to the American Diabetes Association. The inflation-adjusted cost of insulin alone rose 24% between 2017 and 2022, making affordability a growing issue for patients, as per a report by SciTech Daily.
“As insulin prices continue to rise, people with type 1 diabetes should consider a low-fat vegan diet, which can help improve their insulin sensitivity and reduce the amount of insulin they need, potentially saving them hundreds of dollars a year,” said Hana Kahleova, MD, PhD, the study’s lead author and director of clinical research at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, as per a report by SciTech Daily.
What’s the bigger health impact?
Beyond financial relief, the research points to wider health benefits. Participants on the vegan diet not only used less insulin but also showed overall improvements in weight and metabolic health. By cutting back on fat and focusing on plant-based foods, they were able to boost insulin sensitivity and better manage their condition naturally, as per a report by SciTech Daily.
The findings offer a hopeful new approach for millions living with type 1 diabetes, showing that what’s on your plate could play a major role in both health and financial well-being.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor regarding any medical concerns.
FAQs
How much insulin use dropped with a vegan diet?
The study found a 28% reduction in daily insulin use among participants on a low-fat vegan diet.
Did the vegan diet affect insulin costs?
Yes. The vegan group saw a 27% decrease in daily insulin costs compared to no change in the control group.
