New Delhi: Vegetarianism aside, people are no more inclined towards following a vegan diet – a regimen that involves abstinence from meat, poultry and dairy products and reliance on only plant-based foods. Several studies have associated a plant-based diet with healthier body weight, lower risk of inflammation and heart disease. And now, a new study published in the Diabetologia journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes reveals that following a plant-based diet was linked to lower risk of type-2 diabetes.

Over the first two decades of the 21^st century, global prevalence of diabetes tripled from 150 million. And now, it is expect to cross the 700 million mark by 2045.

What is type-2 diabetes?

Type-2 diabetes is a chronic lifestyle disorder characterised by spiking blood sugar levels. When one eats food, it breaks down into sugar in the bloodstream. The pancreas then releases a hormone known as insulin which converts sugar into glucose to get absorbed by the cells in the form of energy. However, when one eats too much sugar or simple and refined carbohydrates, food starts to break into sugar quickly thereby raising insulin production. Consequently, one can become resistant to insulin and blood sugar levels may start spiking uncontrollably.

If left unattended, type-2 diabetes may also spike risk of heart disease, kidney damage, blindness and nervous system damage. Experts say that poor diet, lack of exercise and obesity are the key contributors to type-2 diabetes. Although there is no cure for type-2 diabetes, experts say it can be managed by relying on a low-carb diet, getting ample workout and losing weight.

What are the health benefits of a vegan diet?

Vegan diet is becoming the norm now and has gained immense popularity amongst Hollywood and Bollywood celebrities citing personal health and environmental reasons. Even former bodybuilders like Arnold Schwarzenegger have turned to plant-based diets and advocate the same for their followers. Besides the Terminator star, Ariana Grande, Natalie Portman, Joaquin Phoenix, John Abraham, Alia Bhatt, Anushka Sharma, Aamir Khan and Sonam Kapoor are known vegans.

On the health benefits front, sticking to a plant-based diet – besides it being diabetes friendly – has the following to offer:

Turning vegan can limit access to vitamin B12; in this case one can try using supplements of the essential nutrient to do the trick.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.