A diet that prioritizes a consumption of plant-based products, when planned in a balanced way, can contribute to improving health outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes. This type of diet contributes to improving insulin sensitivity, is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, improves fasting glucose levels, total cholesterol, helps reduce body mass index, abdominal circumference, and decreases the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. These are conclusions gathered by the 'Eat Better, Live Better' project, which was recently highlighted in the European Parliament.

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

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"A shift to a more plant-based diet can benefit people with type 2 diabetes in controlling their blood sugar, well-being, and possibly reducing their medication. However, data from the survey of people with type 2 diabetes, conducted for the 'Eat Better, Live Better' project, reveal that a large proportion of respondents do not recognize the definition and potential role of these dietary patterns. Despite the lack of knowledge, the results also showed a positive attitude, with a need to provide ways to increase food literacy and practical knowledge about the preparation of plant-based food products," says Rogério Ribeiro, APDP biomedical researcher, in a statement.

According to the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), a variety of diets are recommended that prioritize 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 stresses the need to raise awareness about these types of diets. "We know that more than half of health professionals express little knowledge about plant-based diets or are unaware of their potential role in diabetes management. In fact, only 30% of people with type 2 diabetes surveyed as part of our project reported receiving information and support about this diet."

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