Regulating blood glucose levels
See study of adolescents that found eating a low-saturated-fat, high-fiber diet helps with insulin sensitivity. In fact Those who had higher fiber and lower saturated fat intakes showed better insulin sensitivity.
The amino acid citrulline helps produce the amino acid arginine and the overwhelming best source for bio-available citrulline is watermellon. Researchers are investigating arginine as a treatment for high blood pressure and for elevated glucose levels.
Study shows a low-fat vegan diet in 7 days decreased blood glucose by 3 mg/dL (p < .001).
Study finds replacing flesh with plant protein improves HbA1C, fasting glucose, and insulin levels in people with diabetes.
Study: Daily fruit associated with decreased glucose levels
Diabetes can lead to cancer
Mechanisms linking animal products to risk of cancer probably include increased production of insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1, and sex hormones: “Epidemiological evidence is accumulating and suggests that the risk of cancers of the colon, pancreas, endometrium, breast and prostate are related to circulating
levels of insulin, (insulin-like growth factor 1), or both” (pdf pg 14)
Cell Metabolism reports that animal protein causes premature death from cancer and diabetes
Diabetes can lead to kidney disease
Study: Food intake which burdens kidney function, like meat, should be limited in diabetics. Aggressive management is important for delaying of the progression to diabetic nephropathy.
Diabetic Nephropathy
Study: A low-fat vegan diet reduces pain associated with diabetic neuropathy.
Other Studies
Study: Long-term soy consumption lowered cardiovascular risks among type 2 diabetic patients with nephropathy as evidenced by lower C-reactive protein (CRP) and improved kidney function indexes, lower fasting plasma glucose, lower total cholesterol, lower LDL cholesterol, lower serum triglycerides when a diet of 0.8 g protein/kg body weight (1-2oz) was consumed daily.
Study-Diabetes confers two-fold risk of vascular diseases, independent from other risk factors.
Study-2 or more chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease, or stroke) can increase your risk of dying prematurely.
Bacteria in the human gut play a significant role in health & in disease states including diabetes. Diets high in fruits, vegetables, & whole grains promote the abundance of healthier bacteria.
Resources
Podcasts
YouTube Video explaining why diet not drugs helps or a pastor who almost died from diabetes finds diet not medicine cures
Dr. John McDougall on Diabetes Sept 2009 Dr. Neal Barnard Apr 2009
Medical Sites
Other Sites
American Diabetes Association states: plant-based diets is example of healthful eating patterns that have shown positive results in research. ADA more on vegan diets here