A new poll by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and Morning Consult finds that 65% of Americans would consider adopting a low-fat, plant-based diet to help prevent type 2 diabetes or improve blood sugar control if recommended by their doctor.
Key Findings
- Awareness of diet’s benefits is low: Only 21% of adults are aware that a low-fat plant-based diet can help prevent or improve type 2 diabetes.
- Misconceptions about low-carb diets: 50% of adults believe a low-carb diet is the best way to prevent or improve type 2 diabetes, despite research suggesting animal-based low-carb diets may increase risk.
- Support needed for plant-based diets: Nearly half of adults say having online resources and guidance from a dietitian would be very helpful for success on a plant-based diet.
Research Backs Plant-Based Diets
Studies by the Physicians Committee have shown that low-fat plant-based diets can improve blood sugar control, weight, and cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes, and even reduce the need for medication.