Why More Americans Are Turning to Plants to Prevent Diabetes

Most Americans, about 65%, would be willing to adopt a low-fat, plant-based diet to help prevent type 2 diabetes or improve their blood sugar control if their doctor suggested it, according to a new Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine/Morning Consult poll released for National Diabetes Month (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Diabetes and Diet Awareness Poll 2025

Go to source). The poll, which surveyed 2,203 U.S. adults, also found that among those whose health care providers had discussed type 2 diabetes with them, 57% understood that eating plenty of vegetables lowers their risk, and 34% recognized that consuming more fruit reduces the risk. However, only 21% of respondents were aware that a low-fat, plant-based diet can help prevent or improve type 2 diabetes.

Growing Interest in Plant-Based Eating

“The good news is that most Americans would be open to trying a plant-based diet to prevent and treat type 2 diabetes, and we have the resources to help them,” said Noah Praamsma, MS, RDN, a nutrition education coordinator with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine who co-leads the organization’s National Diabetes Program. He emphasized the importance of continuing to educate doctors and dietitians about prescribing a plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans for their patients.

However, the poll also showed a concerning pattern: 50% of adults who have discussed type 2 diabetes with their health care providers believe a low-carbohydrate diet is best for preventing or managing the condition. Research indicates that a low-carbohydrate diet centered on animal products is linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. Participants following diets high in animal protein and fat had a 35% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which rose to 39% when their diets also minimized whole grains.

How Dietary Fat Affects Insulin Function

Reducing fat intake improves insulin function, thereby lowering blood sugar and addressing the underlying cause of diabetes. The body converts starchy and sugary foods into glucose, which muscles use as energy. Insulin, a hormone from the pancreas, enables glucose to enter cells through transport proteins.

Most glucose is absorbed by the muscle and liver cells. People with type 2 diabetes usually produce enough insulin, but their cells become resistant due to fat buildup inside them. This accumulation leaves excess glucose in the blood, leading to health problems. Studies show that fats from animal products, fried foods, and oils contribute to this unwanted fat accumulation in cells.

Decades of clinical studies by the Physicians Committee have examined how a low-fat, plant-based diet without carbohydrate restriction affects people with type 2 diabetes. In one trial, 99 participants followed either a low-fat, plant-based diet that did not restrict calories or carbohydrates or the American Diabetes Association’s recommended diet for 22 weeks.

Forty-three percent of those in the vegan group were able to reduce their diabetes medications, compared to just 26% in the ADA group. Participants following the vegan diet also experienced greater improvements in body weight, HbA1c levels, and LDL cholesterol.

Reduction in Liver and Muscle Fat Through Plant-Based Diet

Another Physicians Committee study analyzed the fat content inside liver and muscle cells. After 16 weeks on a low-fat, vegan diet, liver fat decreased by 34.4% and muscle fat by 10.4%. These changes were linked to lower insulin resistance, demonstrating that the fundamental cause of type 2 diabetes can be reversed through dietary intervention.

When considering adopting a plant-based diet, nearly half of adults surveyed said they would find it helpful to have an online resource for recipes and/or consistent support from a dietitian to maintain success with the diet.

Support Programs Promoting Plant-Based Nutrition

The Physicians Committee offers the National Diabetes Program, a free online support group where participants learn from doctors and dietitians how dietary changes can address the root cause of type 2 diabetes. The program provides guidance on which foods to prioritize and which to avoid, offers simple and tasty meal ideas, and shares advice for grocery shopping, dining out, and answering common nutrition questions.

In conclusion, the growing openness among Americans to adopt a low-fat, plant-based diet presents a promising opportunity to combat type 2 diabetes. By focusing on fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans, individuals can improve blood sugar control and reduce disease risk. Continued education for both the public and healthcare professionals is essential to harness the full potential of plant-based nutrition in preventing and reversing diabetes.

References:

1. Diabetes and Diet Awareness Poll 2025 - (https://pcrm.widen.net/s/dm5rxqkb7g/physicians-committee-for-responsible-medicine-diabetes-poll)
2. Some reduced-carb diets may decrease diabetes risk, but others may raise it - (https://www.heart.org/en/news/2022/11/17/some-reduced-carb-diets-may-decrease-diabetes-risk-but-others-may-raise-it)

Source-Medindia