Abstract

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is an important health problem with an increasing prevalence worldwide. Evidence from observational and interventional studies shows that vegetarian diets play an important role in the prevention and treatment of T2DM and in reducing the major macrovascular and microvascular complications associated with T2DM. It is controversial about what should be the optimal macronutrient ratios in the prevention and treatment of T2DM, but it is stated that eating habits should be focused instead. Vegetarian diets can improve insulin resistance by maintaining a healthy body weight, increasing intake of fiber and functional nutrients, reduction in saturated fatty acids, advanced glycation end products, nitrosamines and heme iron. In this review article, it is aimed to discuss the role and mechanism of action of vegetarian diets in the prevention and treatment of T2DM.

Keywords: Vegetarian diet; Type 2 diabetes; vegan; nutrition