Very low-calorie and vegan diets improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes

A recent Nutrients study reports that both very low-calorie diets (VLCD) and vegan diets improve weight loss and anthropometric markers. Furthermore, VLCD diet intervention was associated with better glycemic control in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients.

Study: Investigating the Effectiveness of Very Low-Calorie Diets and Low-Fat Vegan Diets on Weight and Glycemic Markers in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Image Credit: Pormezz / Shutterstock.com

Background

Obesity and its consequences are significant sources of global morbidity and mortality. Obesity is now considered a global epidemic and is often driven by T2D.

According to the International Diabetes Federation, nearly 537 million adults currently have diabetes, with 783 million expected to be diagnosed with this condition by 2045. 

Clinically an irreversible condition, with only 2% of patients having spontaneous remission, the primary management of T2D is weight loss. Optimum weight and glycemic control can be achieved by exercise, restricting caloric intake, and implementing lifestyle and behavioral changes.

Dietary modifications include restricting the consumption of fats, carbohydrates, and cholesterol in food. Such diet plans are chosen not only for management but also for reversing T2D. These are low-calorie diets (LCD) that permit an intake of 1,200-1,500 kcal daily or even less.

VLCD allows for the consumption of nearly 450-800 kcal per day. VLCD…