Nutritional Pearls: Strongest Evidence Yet That Plant-Based Diets Prevent Diabetes

Your patient is a 34-year-old woman concerned about her risk of developing diabetes. At a recent visit to your office, she tells you that she has been considering switching over to a vegetarian or vegan diet, and is wondering which one you think would be best.

How would you advise your patient?

(Answer and discussion on next page)

Dr. Gourmet is the definitive health and nutrition web resource for both physicians and patients with evidence-based resources including special diets for coumadin users, patients with GERD/acid reflux, celiac disease, type 2 diabetes, low sodium diets (1500 mg/d), and lactose intolerance.

Timothy S. Harlan, MD, is a board-certified internist and professional chef who translates the Mediterranean diet for the American kitchen with familiar, healthy recipes. He is an assistant dean for clinical services, executive director of The Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine, associate professor of medicine at Tulane University in New Orleans, and faculty chair of the Certified Culinary Medicine Specialist program.