Go Meatless.  - Can it help me control my diabetes?

22th April is Earth Day!  As Earth Day approaches, we'd like to spotlight #GoMeatless, as a suitable action to save Earth.

Meat is problematic.

Reference: Food and Agriculture organization of the United Nations (2006)

Can it help me control my diabetes?

Reference: Diabetes.co.UK Vegetarian Diabetic Diet

Promotes a healthy weight.

Vegetarian diets are often lower in calories than are non-vegetarian diets. This can help with weight management. Also, people following a vegetarian diet tend to have lower body mass indexes (BMIs) than do people who follow a non-vegetarian diet. A healthy body weight can improve blood sugar control and reduce your risk of diabetes complications.

Improves blood sugar control and insulin response.

Eating vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes and nuts — features of a vegetarian diet — can improve blood sugar control and make your body more responsive to insulin. This may mean taking less medication and lowering your risk of diabetes-related complications.

But even a vegetarian diet can have harmful effects on blood sugar if it is rich in simple carbohydrates — especially starches, such as potatoes, pasta, white rice and white bread.

Reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease.

A strict vegan diet is cholesterol-free, low in saturated fat and usually high in soluble fiber. A low-fat vegetarian diet can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. Cardiovascular disease is a common complication of people who have diabetes.

Reference: Mayo Clinic Experts Answers

If you're considering a vegetarian diet, you should speak with a nutrition specialist. He or she can help you create an eating plan that provides all the necessary nutrients and the right number of calories to maintain a healthy weight. 

As with any diet, it’s important to stay within an appropriate calories range to lose weight if that’s your goal.🤗