A study published in BMC Nutrition found that a low-fat vegan diet helps people with type 1 diabetes reduce their insulin needs and lower costs. Participants following the vegan diet reduced their total daily insulin dose by 28%, equivalent to 12.1 units per day. Their cholesterol levels and kidney function also improved. In contrast, the group that followed a diet controlled for food quantity saw no significant changes. Researchers believe the decreased need for insulin reflects improved insulin sensitivity, meaning how effectively the body responds to it. Insulin costs also decreased in the vegan group. According to the American Diabetes Association, national insulin spending has tripled over the past decade, reaching $22.3 billion in 2022. Dr. Hannah Kahleova, the study's lead author and director of clinical research at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, stated: 'With insulin prices continuing to rise, people with type 1 diabetes should consider a low-fat vegan diet, which can help improve their insulin sensitivity and reduce the amount of insulin they need, potentially saving them hundreds of dollars a year.' The original 2024 study also showed additional benefits of the vegan diet, with participants losing an average of 11 pounds (about 5 kg) and showing improved insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels. These findings come from new research by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.
