Journal of Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics

Examining the Influence of Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Diets on Metabolic Markers and Outcomes for people with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)

Introduction: In India, data regarding diabetes reversal strategies from a diet perspective is scarce due to the presence of 32 distinct Indian cuisines offering a wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. In this study we aim to investigate how a vegetarian or nonvegetarian diet may influence outcomes such as HbA1C and FBS as well as metabolic markers including weight and waist circumference of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients.

Objective: This study aims to investigate how a vegetarian or nonvegetarian diet may influence outcomes such as weight, glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1C), Body Mass Index (BMI) and Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients.

Methods: Using a continuously updated cloud-based EMR system, 2,835 patients were retrospectively reviewed and categorised into two cohorts: Vegetarian (vegan and lactoovo included) (N=1,404) and nonvegetarian (N=1431). Variables like weight, HbA1C, waist circumference and Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) were measured within 30 days of enrolling in Sugarfit’s Diabetes Reversal and Management Program (SDRMP) and from 80-120 days after completing the program. Statistical analysis was used to compare variables between the two cohorts.

Results: The average change in waist circumference was higher in vegetarians than non vegetarians (2.27 vs. -0.85 cm, p=6.4-12). The average change in FBS was higher in non vegetarians than vegetarians (34.31 vs. 28.06 mg/dL, p=0.014). The difference between average weight and HbA1C was not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Both diets distinctly influence outcomes and metabolic markers for T2DM patients. Post-SDRMP vegetarians demonstrated reduced waist circumference compared to nonvegetarians, most likely due to the program’s emphasis on higher protein-to-carb ratio. Alternatively, non-vegetarian populations may have had a higher protein intake from the start, therefore waist reduction may not have been significant for this population. Additionally, further increase in protein and fat intake most likely led to lower fasting sugars. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm our results.

Author(s): Annie Mattilda Raymond*, Chhavi Mehra, Ankitha Sequeira, Jeny Joseline and Shivtosh Kumar

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