Published: September 20, 2006 04:41 pm      

Foods choices may prevent diabetes

More than 48.3 million Americans will develop diabetes by the year 2050, according to predictions by the Centers for Disease Control. Fueled by obesity, diabetes will drastically affect minorities: The disease will increase 481 percent among Hispanics and 205 percent among African-Americans.

But this health crisis is preventable.

Making healthy dietary and lifestyle choices can reduce diabetes onset by more than 50 percent, and numerous studies have shown that vegetarians, who generally eat less fat and more fiber than meat-eaters, are slimmer and have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than non-vegetarians. A recent study by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine on vegan diets and diabetes, published in Diabetes Care, showed that study participants on a vegan diet had dramatic improvements in four major health areas, including blood sugar and weight control.

A vegan diet may be one of the keys to weight management and diabetes prevention.

By leaving junk food, fast food, and other unhealthy products behind, Americans can fill their plates with colorful fruits and vegetables and wholesome whole grains and beans.

These foods can help transform the future of America’s health.

Susan Levin M.S., R.D.

staff nutritionist

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

Washington, D.C.