The number of people in the United States diagnosed with diabetes continues to climb and a plant-based diet may be the solution! While our bodies need glucose to function, we consume dangerous amounts of glucose (sugar).
The average person consumes approximately 42 teaspoons of added sugar daily.
The average American in the 1950s consumed roughly 9 grams of added sugar in their diet daily. That’s a huge change! Sugar is added to everything, especially pre-packaged, canned and frozen goods. It’s important to read the nutrition label and the ingredients to make sure that there is no sugar added.
Are you missing the sweetness in your life?
In our hurried lives, we replace those sweet moments with sweet foods. Take a moment and inventory all of the sweet moments that you have had in your life today, this week, this month, etc. Increase those sweet moments to decrease those sugar cravings.
Increasing your plant consumption may help stabilize your blood sugar and reduce the need for medication.
A plant-based diet may help to reduce sugar cravings and stabilize blood glucose levels. Basically, the rainbow of vegetables and fruits provide fiber and nutrients that our bodies crave and need for proper functioning.
Recent Study Concludes that a Plant-Based Diet Reduced Need for Diabetes Medication
Recently, a 2019 meta-analyses looked at the potential reduction of HbA1c using a vegetarian and/or vegan diet. In addition, adopting a plant-based diet was associated with the medication need reduction. (1)
Most Americans are on a “polypharmacy” (multiple medications) and consume a nutrient-devoid diet.
Alternatively, a plant-based diet increases fiber and nutrients while decreasing carcinogenic preservatives, chemicals, and sugar.
Not ready to give up meat?
That’s ok! You can still lower your HbA1c by reducing the amount of sugar, dairy, and grains in your diet and increasing the vegetables. Aim for 75% of your plate to be covered in vegetables and the rest can be supplemented by quality fats and proteins.
1. Storz, M. A. (2020). Reduced Diabetes Medication Needs With a Plant-Based Diet. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 39(6), 574-577.
