Vegan diet for type 2 diabetes

[lindalinda]

I saw on the news today that a new study found a vegan diet to improve, and even reduce sugar levels to normal. (I'm not sure if I'm using the correct terminology here...feel free to correct me). I have found these study results on the web but they never say EXACTLY what this diet is. Does anyone know? Is it difficult? I'm a lousy cook but I would really like the info on this diet.

 

[Sherri]

I'm a vegan, which means I don't eat meat of any kind or dairy products of anything. If it comes from any animal in any shape or form or is an animal then I don't eat it.
I just heard that also about type two diabetes. I wonder what made them do a study on it. I hope it really works since so many people have it.

 

[lindalinda]

Thanks. I am sure I could do without meat with no problems, but I am wondering if other processed foods are limited in this diet (I'm not sure exactly what they used, it just says vegan). They said that food amounts were not limited, but I was wondering about say ...processed frozen foods that you can buy in the grocery....the ones that are soy products. I guess I'm wondering if it has to be just fresh vegetables and whole grains. I dont know if I'm making sense, but basically....am I too lazy to do this diet?

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

True vegan means no animal products of any kind: Meat, dairy, cheese, eggs, anything with animal or made with animal. This would include chocolate ice cream, butter, margerine, cookies and things like worcestershire sauce among other condiments.

They do make vegan friendly chocolate and cookies (and other things too).

If you don't do a vegan diet correctly you will not get enough protien, and will have a higher perpensity to get sick. It does take some work to educate yourself and find vegan friendly foods. But once the initial groundwork is done it's not hard to follow.

It can extend into clothing (no leather, wool) as well.

 

[lindalinda]

Thanks, that is the type thing I am wondering about, what type of processed things I have to avoid. Iwill have to study up on it I guess. I wish when they published a study on this kind of thing that they gave you all the info you need. BTW, does the Disboard run banner ads based on the topic of the thread...when I opened this one I got 4 diabetes ads.

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

Well processed foods may have to be avoided due to the diabetes but not due to a vegan diet. But you would be suprised how many foods contain animal products.

Cheetos (and other products containing fake cheese) contain rennet, which is derived from animal (unless noted).

There are a lot of processed vegetarian foods out there (that may not be vegan). Morningstar Farms, Boca, Gardenburger and Quorn are several that come to mind. Amy's makes vegan frozen dinners. If you have a Whole Foods market or Trader Joes they tend to have vegan friendly foods.

 

[Holly]

I have insluin resistance, which is a precursor to Type II, and I am currently on a vegan diet.

I eat all whole foods like fresh, organic fruits & vegetables. I have a juicer and make my own fruit juice.

I eat whole grains like oatmeal and muesli.

Things I completely cut out:

Meat
Caffeine
Hydrogenated oils
Alcohol
Refined sugar
Artificial sweeteners
Refined flour

Once you get through the initial "detox" when your body with withdrawing from the toxins listed above, you find it easy to stick with (I did).

I consulted with my doctor and a dietician before starting and I also take supplements like Supergreens, flax, fish oil for omega 3's, and garlic.

 

[lindalinda]

thanks, thats exactly my situation, pre-diabetic and would like to turn it around. I wonder if my insurance will pay for a dietician or nutricianist to help me with this. In the study they had all the food catered to the subjects. Thats what I need...a caterer!

 

[goodeats]

Yes, the whole grains and fresh veggies were part of the reason the study works. Technically a PopTart is vegan (I don't know if it is or not, but let's just say), that doesn't mean it's good for your diabetes. You need to avoid sugar too.

 

[Poohs Pal]

I also saw a report on the news about this. It also said someone dieting could lose 2 to 5lbs per week on a vegan diet. Susan

 

[Tiggeroo]

my sister is a strict vegan. She does it correctly without processed foods and sugar. But she's still carrying too much weight that just won't go anywhere.
I can't be a strict vegan but i'm incorporating alot of their ideas into my eating plan to lower my sugar, esp whole grains and veggies.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

thanks, thats exactly my situation, pre-diabetic and would like to turn it around. I wonder if my insurance will pay for a dietician or nutricianist to help me with this. In the study they had all the food catered to the subjects. Thats what I need...a caterer!

Some insurance companies will pay for nutritional counseling. There's a company called Healthy Roads (www.healthyroads.com) that provides phone coaching for weight management and smoking cessation, among other things, and they offer nutritionists, trainers, dietitians, registered nurses etc. My insurance is Blue Cross and they were covering the cost for a lot of people who work at the same Govt agency I do. So many, in fact, my agency is now picking up the tab for any employee who wants to get coached. The success rate was quite good.

In any case, it's one alternative for you!

Good luck!

 

[budbeerlady]

LindaLinda, if you can find a seventh day adventist store near you they are very helpful, even a good health food store can be of assistance. I copied the same articale for my co-worker who has been really struggeling with insulin lately. I am very lucky to have country life 7th day adventist's store 5 miles from me. http://www.clnf.org/

They have vegan soup mixes, (sweet corn chowder is my fav.) http://tasteadventure.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=46 Now days there are many more premade foods and mixes to make life easier. My favorite fast dish is frozen veggies steamed with a little italian dressing tossed with quick brown rice. Any large supermarket now has veggie (and vegan) meat options, salad dressings, etc.

Good luck with your search, I have been a lacto-ovo vegetarian for 6 months now. Once you realize all the wonderful dishes you can buy / prepare it becomes an easy way of life. It takes a few weeks for your body to detox, but I dont crave sugary sweets, pop or any of that junk any more. I feel better than I have in years. Also try Amazon or your local librarys for Moosewood cookbooks, they are more vegetarian but they should have some vegan recipies. And a google search will bring up some very helpful discussion boards for new vegans to share their sucesses and trials.

 

[pumba]

I am type 2 and I went to a dietician and nutritionist and diabetes educator. They never mentioned going on a complete vegan diet. Any health plan would suggest you to eat correctly like a WW diet. The diabetic diet is a certain amount of carbs per meal and per snack. I can have 45 carbs for my three main meals and 15 for the three snack times. I am the exception to the rule for diabetes. I am not over weight. I am right on the track for my body mass index too. I have been able to maintain my blood sugar tests .....and still have food that I have enjoyed. Being a diabetic does not mean that you can't have a cookie or a piece of candy.....but to be able to use the amount of carbs in my plan.

 

[amarberry]

I'm not up to speed on the diabetes issue, but here are a couple of links to some interesting vegan blogs.

http://www.veganmenu.blogspot.com/

http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com/

I've been a lacto ovo vegetarian for almost 11 years. My 2yo DD is also veggie and has an egg allergy. She currently eats way too my dairy IMHO so I have been trying to find some good vegan meals for us.