Fact Check: Can type-2 diabetes be reversed using plant-based protein?

Hyderabad: A post claiming that proteins from plant soy, lentil and beans can reverse effects on type-2 diabetes has gone viral.

The speaker in the viral video claims, “Three proteins to reverse type 2 diabetes. Many people tend to overconsume animal products and animal proteins. When we overconsume these foods, it makes it easier to overconsume saturated fat. Saturated fat is an unhealthy type of fat and when eaten in excess it can lead to insulin resistance and higher cholesterol. One way to reduce the saturated fat in our body is to eat more plant-based proteins. Plant-based proteins contain very little saturated fat and they also have the added benefits of having fibre. Fibre helps to regulate blood sugar levels over time. One excellent plant-based protein is lentil. Soy is also another plant-based protein. Tofu and soy milk and lastly beans.”

Fact Check

NewsMeter found that the claim is false.

Can type-2 diabetes be reversed?

According to Diabetes UK, “We don’t call it diabetes reversal, because this might sound like it’s permanent, and there’s no guarantee that your diabetes has gone forever. But yes, it may be possible to put your type-2 diabetes into remission. This is when your blood sugar levels are below the diabetes range and you don’t need to take diabetes medication anymore. This could be life-changing.”

Moreover, there is no such thing as a special diet for people with diabetes or those aiming for diabetes reversal. There are a lot of different ways to lose weight – but there’s no one-size-fits-all diet, it further adds.

According to research, type-1 and type-2 diabetes cannot be cured. However, one can have glucose levels return to the non-diabetic range or pre-diabetic range by achieving a healthy body weight. The remission is not permanent. Diabetes will be present but in a controlled and managed range.

Through an extended search, we found that all three plant-based proteins such as soy, lentils and beans are indeed a great source of protein but that alone won’t help in diabetes prevention or reversal.

A study has found that the source of dietary protein may be important in altering the risk of developing type-2 diabetes.

Medical News Today writes, “Replacing 1 per cent of energy from animal protein with energy from plant protein was associated with [an] 18 per cent decreased risk of type 2 diabetes. This association remained after adjusting for BMI. In conclusion, favouring plant and egg proteins appeared to be beneficial in preventing type 2 diabetes.”

However, all proteins, be it dairy or fish protein were not connected with a risk of type-2 diabetes.

The article also states that a higher intake of egg protein was identified as able to lower the risk of type-2 diabetes. However, excess red meat consumption is related to higher risk.

It should be noted that plant protein is a great source but it has a limited effect on diabetes prevention or remission. Losing excess fat and maintaining a healthy BMI along with a balanced diet and lifestyle is important. More research is needed.