Plant-Based Diets for Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from the destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic beta-cells. The increasing incidence (at a worldwide rate of 3-5% a year) suggests that in addition to the genetic component, the risk may be influenced by environmental factors, including the diet. A plantbased diet has been shown to improve glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes and to improve beta-cell function in overweight people but has not been thoroughly tested in type 1 diabetes due to its high carbohydrate content. We present two case studies of individuals with type 1 diabetes who adopted a plant-based diet and experienced a significant increase in insulin sensitivity, reductions in insulin dose, and improvements in cardiovascular risk factors.