Plant-based diet promotes better control of type 2 diabetes, points out Portuguese project – News

A diet based on the consumption of plant-based products, when balanced, “contributes to improving insulin sensitivity, is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, improves fasting glucose and total cholesterol levels, helps reduce body mass index, waist circumference and reduces the risk of death from cardiovascular disease.” This is evidence collected by the “Eat Better, Live Better” project, which was highlighted in the European Parliament on April 18th.

This initiative brings together the Association for the Protection of Diabetics of Portugal (APDP), the French Diabetes Federation (FFD) and the International Diabetes Federation – Europe (IDF) and aims to promote the role of a healthy and sustainable diet in the management of diabetes. type 2, developing concrete actions for food literacy in people with diabetes and health professionals.

“A change to a more plant-based diet can benefit people with type 2 diabetes, in controlling blood sugar, well-being and possibly reducing medication. However, data from the survey of people with type 2 diabetes, carried out for the ‘Eating Better, Living Better’ project, reveals that a large proportion of respondents do not recognize the definition and possible role of these eating patterns. Despite the lack of knowledge, the results also showed a positive attitude, making it necessary to provide ways to increase food literacy and practical knowledge about the preparation of food products of plant origin”, says Rogério Ribeiro, biomedical researcher at APDP.

According to the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), a variety of diets are recommended that favor the consumption of whole grains, vegetables and fruits, legumes, nuts, minimizing the consumption of meat (especially red and processed meat) , sugary drinks and refined cereals, as is the case with the Mediterranean diet, the Nordic diet and the flexitarian diet (a diet that does not completely eliminate meat consumption, like the vegetarian diet).

Rogério Ribeiro highlights the need to increase awareness about this type of diet. “We know that more than half of healthcare professionals express little knowledge about plant-based eating or are unaware of its potential role in diabetes management. In fact, only 30% of people with type 2 diabetes surveyed as part of our project reported having received information and support about this diet.”, he concludes.

“It is very important for APDP to be part of this project, sponsored by the international movement Healthy Food, Healthy Planet. A multidisciplinary approach that places plant-based nutrition as a priority in the management of type 2 diabetes, in addition to having health benefits, contributes to more sustainable food systems”, highlights José Manuel Boavida, president of APDP.

The session “Promoting and accelerating the shift to plant-based diets for a healthier Europe: the case of Diabetes”, hosted by MEP Francisco Guerreiro dos Verdes/ALE, Portugal, featured a panel discussion based on the presentation of the project and the initial results of the literature review and online surveys carried out in Portugal and France, as well as the logic and impact of the culinary workshops. The event brought together perspectives from policy makers, diabetes associations (APDP, FFD, IDF Europe), people living with diabetes and healthcare professionals.

Article opening image courtesy of Freepik.