The acute effects of a DASH diet and whole food, plant-based diet on insulin requirements and related cardiometabolic markers in individuals with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to assess acute changes in insulin requirements and related markers in individuals with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes following adoption of the DASH and WFPB diets.
Results Summary
The study found that both DASH and WFPB diets significantly reduced daily insulin usage (24-39%) and improved insulin sensitivity, with the WFPB diet showing the largest benefits. Cholesterol, leptin, urinary glucose, and hsCRP levels also decreased most during the WFPB phase.
Population
Individuals with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes (n=15).
Effective Dosage
Ad libitum, meals provided (specific amounts not detailed).
Duration
4 weeks (sequential one-week phases: Baseline, DASH 1, WFPB, DASH 2).
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) | decrease | daily insulin usage | individuals with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes | 24% | was lower | #1 |
WFPB diet (Whole Food, Plant-Based) | decrease | daily insulin usage | individuals with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes | 39% | was lower | #2 |
DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) | decrease | daily insulin usage | individuals with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes | 30% | was lower | #3 |
WFPB diet (Whole Food, Plant-Based) | decrease | insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) | individuals with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes | 49% | was lower | #4 |
WFPB diet (Whole Food, Plant-Based) | increase | insulin sensitivity index | individuals with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes | 38% | was higher | #5 |
WFPB diet (Whole Food, Plant-Based) | decrease | total cholesterol | individuals with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes | - | decreased | #6 |
WFPB diet (Whole Food, Plant-Based) | decrease | LDL cholesterol | individuals with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes | - | decreased | #7 |
WFPB diet (Whole Food, Plant-Based) | decrease | HDL cholesterol | individuals with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes | - | decreased | #8 |
WFPB diet (Whole Food, Plant-Based) | decrease | leptin | individuals with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes | - | decreased | #9 |
WFPB diet (Whole Food, Plant-Based) | decrease | urinary glucose | individuals with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes | - | decreased | #10 |
WFPB diet (Whole Food, Plant-Based) | decrease | hsCRP | individuals with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes | - | decreased | #11 |
DASH or WFPB diet | decrease | insulin requirements | individuals with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes | - | can result in significant, rapid changes | #12 |
DASH or WFPB diet | increase | insulin sensitivity | individuals with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes | - | can result in significant, rapid changes | #13 |
DASH or WFPB diet | neutral | related markers | individuals with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes | - | can result in significant, rapid changes | #14 |
AIMS: There is limited research regarding insulin dosing changes following adoption of plant-based diets. We conducted a nonrandomized crossover trial utilizing two plant-based diets (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, or DASH, and Whole Food, Plant-Based, or WFPB) to assess acute changes in insulin requirements and associated markers among individuals with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Participants (n = 15) enrolled in a 4-week trial with sequential, one-week phases: Baseline, DASH 1, WFPB, and DASH 2. Each diet was ad libitum and meals were provided. RESULTS: Compared to baseline, daily insulin usage was 24%, 39%, and 30% lower after DASH 1, WFPB, and DASH 2 weeks respectively (all p < 0.01). Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was 49% lower (p < 0.01) and the insulin sensitivity index was 38% higher (p < 0.01) at the end of the WFPB week before regressing toward baseline during DASH 2. Total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol, leptin, urinary glucose, and hsCRP decreased to a nadir at the end of the WFPB week before increasing during DASH 2. CONCLUSIONS: Adopting a DASH or WFPB diet can result in significant, rapid changes in insulin requirements, insulin sensitivity, and related markers among individuals with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes, with larger dietary changes producing larger benefits.