Those following a plant-based diet have a 78% reduction risk of Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM), as well as a 56% reduced risk of metabolic syndrome and a lower average BMI, 22.4 for men and 21.8 for women. Vegetarians have less skeletal intramyocellular lipids, and better myocellular glucose disposal and mitochondrial function, and therefore have less peripheral insulin resistance. Vegetarians and vegans also have a much better inflammatory status, indicated by lower levels of inflammatory markers such as CRP and inflammatory adipocytokines such as IL-6, leptin, and higher levels of anti-inflammatory adipocytokines such as adiponectin. Those following a plant-based diet consume much less persistent organic pollutants (POPs) which have been shown to cause beta-cell mitochondrial dysfunction. Finally, the gut microbiome of vegetarians has been shown to play a role in reducing insulin resistance and the level of inflammation in the body, and consequently their risk of T2DM. Interventional studies show a reduction of HbA1C by as much as 2.4 percentage pts, which is more than is usually achieved with Metformin. Other clinical variables also show improvement such as reductions in BMI, total and LDL cholesterol and hsCRP. Studies show compliance rates are good, ranging from 84% to 99%. Medications should be titrated as the patient shows improvements. Treatment with a plantbased diet has no contraindications or adverse reactions.
Keywords: