Article Impact Level: HIGH Data Quality: STRONG Summary of American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 15598276251339396. https://doi.org/10.1177/15598276251339396 Dr. Vanita Rahman et al.
Points
- A 12-week online plant-based nutrition program significantly improved health outcomes for adults with type 2 diabetes. The program focused on whole grains, vegetables, legumes, and fruits while excluding animal products.
- Participants experienced an average weight loss of 3.7 kg and a reduction in HbA1c levels by 0.6 percent, with the most notable improvements seen in those new to plant-based diets.
- LDL and total cholesterol levels also declined among participants not taking lipid-lowering drugs, and 22 percent of participants reduced their diabetes medication dosage.
- The program was physician-led, delivered virtually, and cost $399 per participant, which is comparable to standard primary care copayments.
- These results highlight the feasibility and effectiveness of integrating plant-based dietary education into primary care as a practical approach to managing diabetes and improving heart health.
Summary
In a recent study published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, researchers assessed the feasibility and efficacy of a plant-based nutrition intervention for patients with type 2 diabetes in a primary care setting. The study included 76 adults, of whom 58 completed the 12-week program, which consisted of weekly online classes and adherence to a plant-based diet. The intervention aimed to provide practical nutrition education, focusing on a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, legumes, and fruits while excluding animal products. Participants’ body weight, HbA1c, cholesterol levels, and medication usage were evaluated before and after the intervention.
Results showed significant improvements in health markers among participants. The average body weight decreased by 3.7 kg (95% CI, −4.4 to −2.9 kg; P < .0001), and HbA1c levels dropped by 0.6% (95% CI, −0.8 to −0.3%; P = .0001). These improvements were most pronounced in participants who had not initially followed a plant-based diet. Additionally, total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels decreased in participants not taking lipid-lowering medications. The study also observed that 22% of participants could reduce their diabetes medication dosage.
The study demonstrates that an online, physician-led plant-based nutrition program is feasible and effective in improving key health outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. The program was economically viable, costing $399 per participant, comparable to typical copayments for primary care visits. These findings suggest that plant-based nutrition interventions can be integrated into clinical practice to help manage diabetes and improve cardiovascular health, providing an accessible solution to the growing diabetes epidemic.
Link to the article: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/15598276251339396
References Rahman, V., Becker, R., Gray, S., Holubkov, R., Loomis, J., & Barnard, N. (2025). Feasibility and efficacy of a plant-based nutrition intervention for type 2 diabetes in a primary care setting. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 15598276251339396. https://doi.org/10.1177/15598276251339396
