Plant-based Diet Linked to Lower T2D Risk

A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective observational studies suggested that plant-based dietary patterns were associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), even after adjustment for body mass index. The analysis included 9 studies, totaling 307 099 participants with 23 544 cases of incident T2D. A significant inverse association was observed between higher adherence to a plant-based dietary pattern and T2D risk (RR, 0.77) in comparison with poorer adherence, with modest heterogeneity across studies (I² = 44.5%; P = .07 for heterogeneity). Similar findings were obtained when using the fixed-effects model (RR, 0.80). Consistent associations were observed across predefined subgroups. This association was strengthened when healthy plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts, were included in the definition of plant-based patterns (RR, 0.70). Using restricted cubic splines, a significant inverse linear dose-response association was identified between plant-based dietary indices and T2D risk. However, not all plant foods are equally beneficial, an unhealthful plant-based dietary pattern defined by increased consumption of refined grains, starches, and sugars was consistently associated with a higher T2D risk. Mounting evidence supports beneficial effects of healthy plant-based foods on cancer, T2D and cardiovascular diseases. Source:  https://jamanetwork.com/