1. What Was the Study

The study aimed to compare the effects of a vegetarian and a conventional diet in people with type 2 diabetes. The conventional diet involved eating the same amount of calories, but 500 fewer per day. The vegetarian diet included vegetables, grains, legumes, fruit, and nuts, with animal products limited to one low-fat yogurt per day, also with 500 fewer calories per day.

2. What Were the Results

The vegetarian diet was found to be twice as effective in reducing body weight. MRI results showed that while both diets reduced subcutaneous fat, only the vegetarian diet reduced subfascial fat and significantly reduced intramuscular fat, helping to reduce inflammation and improve insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes.

3. Why is This Important

Reducing inflammation and improving insulin resistance can lead to better overall health and greater longevity for individuals with type 2 diabetes. While the results from this research are amazing, in practice we recommend a predominantly plant-based diet, which doesn’t have to be exclusively vegetarian. Including some meat, fish, or eggs can help balance anabolism and catabolism.