According to CDC, there is more than 37 million adults in the US that suffer from diabetes and around 95% of them have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes occurs when someone’s body stop producing insulin which is a hormone that regulate our blood glucose level. Insulin is produced in our pancreas. Whilst type 1 diabetes is caused by autoimmune reaction in which the body does not produced insulin. People that suffer from diabetes needs to check their level of blood glucose regularly to maintain a healthy life.
Recent study suggested that low carbohydrate diet may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, the study is unable to differentiate is the reduction purely caused by reduced carbohydrate or calorie reduction.
Type 2 diabetes develops slowly and may have a few symptoms at first so may be unnoticed for a period. The risk of getting type 2 diabetes increases if a person is over 45, having family history of the condition, little or no exercise, overweight or obese, low levels of good cholesterol (HDL), and high levels of fats. People can reduce the risk by exercise regularly, healthy weight and improving diet. CDC recommends diet with non-starchy vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains, water, and unsweetened beverages to help reduce risk.
Plant-based diets refer to diets that is based on foods made from plants and it also include vegan and vegetarian diets. Plant-based diets continues to grow in popularity worldwide because it has lots of evidence on health benefits, including improved blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels. However, there is “junk” plant-based foods which promote health risks if consumed too much.
Well planned diets offer several benefits, and they are safeguard against nutrient deficiencies and adverse health risks associated with diets in ultra-processed (junk) plant-based foods. The recommended intake of diet are fruits, non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, eggs, plant protein, and seafood. These diets are low in salt, added sugar and calories.
Therefore, not all plant-based diets are associated with negative health risks, but it is important to note that following a healthy overall eating pattern is essential for managing risks the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Source: Medical News Today
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