How effective is a vegan diet for diabetes prevention and management? Plant-based diets are increasingly being recognized as one of the healthiest and most sustainable dietary patterns. Given that they tend to be high in fiber and low in saturated fat, vegan diets have been widely studied for their preventative and therapeutic effects on high blood sugar levels.

So far, the results are promising. However, poorly planned plant-based diets may be high in carbohydrates and sodium – two nutrients that diabetics need to watch out for. Knowing how to structure a vegan diet is essential when it comes to successful prevention and management of this chronic disease.

Diabetes is a condition characterized by abnormally high blood glucose levels. In healthy individuals, the hormone insulin helps to deliver the glucose into the body’s cells, providing them with essential fuel. In those with diabetes, the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t use the insulin as it should. Over time, high blood sugar can cause heart disease, kidney problems, blindness and other complications. A healthy diet is one of the most important factors in helping to prevent and manage it.

Here, we discuss the benefits and downsides of a vegan diet for diabetes, as well as providing useful tips. However, it is still advised to consult your doctor before you introduce any changes to your diet, especially if you are diabetic.

Vegan diet for diabetes: How it works

MeatPoultryGameFishShellfishEggs & dairy productsAnimal derivatives, including: gelatin, honey, shellac and some forms of vitaminsVegans tend to base their meals on fruits, vegetables, grains, pulses, nuts and seeds, and may need to use certain dietary supplements to avoid potential deficiencies.

Related: Should vegans take supplements?Related: Do vegans live longer?

Many features of vegan diets promote healthy blood sugar metabolism. “Because vegans have consciously made a choice to avoid certain foods, namely those of animal origin, they tend to pay more attention to what they eat to ensure they don’t miss out on essential nutrients, and this results in them making better food choices,” says James Collier, a registered nutritionist and co-founder of Huel.