Feasibility and Efficacy of a Plant-Based Nutrition Intervention for Type 2 Diabetes in a Primary Care Setting

Objective: To determine the feasibility and efficacy of a plant-based nutrition intervention for type 2 diabetes in a primary care setting. Methods: Adults (n = 76) with type 2 diabetes were enrolled in a self-paid, online nutrition intervention program between August 2023 and September 2024. All participants were advised to attend weekly group classes and follow a plant-based diet for 12 weeks. Body weight, medication usage, HbA_1c, and cholesterol levels were assessed at baseline and at 12 weeks. Results: Among the 58 participants who completed the program (mean age 63.4 years; 69% female), the mean body weight (-3.7 kg; 95% CI, -4.4 to -2.9; P < .0001) and HbA_1c (-0.6%; 95% CI, -0.8 to -0.3; P = .0001) decreased at 12 weeks. Participants not following a plant-based diet at baseline experienced greater reductions in mean body weight and HbA_1c. Total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased amongst participants not taking lipid-lowering medications, and 22% of participants reduced the dosages of diabetes medications. Conclusion: In a primary care setting, a novel 12-week plant-based nutrition intervention for type 2 diabetes was accessible, economically viable, and led to reductions in diabetes medications, body weight, HbA_1c, and total and LDL cholesterol levels.