STUDY: Veggie Diet no Better the Flesh Diet for Type 2 Diabetes

JOURNAL: Diabetes Care 2002;25:1277-1282,1474-1476.

AUTHORS: Dr. S. Edwin Fineberg

ABSTRACT: A diet that derives protein from plant sources only has no advantage over a diet that contains animal protein for individuals with type 2 diabetes and microalbuminuria.

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COMMENTARY: In a randomized crossover trial, Dr. S. Edwin Fineberg and colleagues from Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, compared a diet containing only plant proteins with one containing mostly animal proteins in 17 patients with type 2 diabetes and microalbuminuria.

After the patients had been on each diet for 6 weeks, the researchers found that there was no diet-related difference in the glomerular filtration rate, renal plasma flow, albumin excretion rate, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglyceride area under the curve (AUC), glucose and insulin AUC, HbA1c, blood pressure, or serum amino acids.

Both diets were associated with lowered cholesterol, improved HbA1c, and reduced diastolic blood pressure, according to the report in the August issue of Diabetes Care. There was no difference in dietary effects on renal function, whether or not patients were treated with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors.

Dr. Fineberg and colleagues conclude that "there appears to be no clear advantage to recommending plant protein over animal protein to improve renal function or lipid and glycemic parameters in people who have type 2 diabetes and microalbuminuria."