New findings suggest a low-fat vegan diet could reduce insulin needs for type 1 diabetes
A growing body of research indicates that diet can influence how much insulin people with type 1 diabetes require. In a secondary analysis of a 2024 Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine study, researchers found that a low-fat vegan diet—not limited in calories or carbohydrates—reduced daily insulin use and insulin costs compared with a portion-controlled diet. The findings, published in BMC Nutrition, offer hope that dietary choices may help people manage diabetes more efficiently and affordably.
What the study compared and what it found
The analysis contrasted two dietary approaches among adults with type 1 diabetes: a low-fat vegan diet and a portion-controlled diet. Both plans allowed participants to eat as much as they needed, removing the pressure to count calories. The key differences lay in fat intake and food choices rather than meal size.
Results showed a meaningful 28% reduction in total daily insulin dose—an average drop of about 12.1 units per day—in the vegan group. In contrast, the portion-controlled group did not experience a statistically significant change in insulin requirements. This reduction in insulin use is interpreted as improved insulin sensitivity, meaning the body responds more effectively to insulin.
Even more compelling were the economic implications. The vegan group also saw a 27% decrease in daily insulin costs, roughly $1.08 saved per day, while the portion-controlled group did not see notable cost changes. For people managing type 1 diabetes, these savings can add up quickly over a year, potentially easing the financial strain of high-priced insulin.
Broader health benefits observed with the vegan approach
Beyond insulin needs and costs, the 2024 study reported several additional health improvements among participants following a vegan diet. Participants experienced an average weight loss of about 11 pounds, which can contribute to better overall health and potentially reduce cardiovascular risk factors associated with diabetes. The diet also appeared to enhance glycemic control and improve lipid profiles and kidney function, adding to its appeal as a comprehensive dietary strategy for type 1 diabetes management.
Why fat intake matters for insulin sensitivity
Dietary fat can influence insulin sensitivity. Higher fat intake has been linked to reduced glucose uptake by cells, which can necessitate higher insulin doses to achieve the same blood sugar control. A low-fat vegan diet emphasizes plant-based foods, such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and minimal or no animal products, while restricting fats learned to be less than typical Western dietary patterns. By focusing on these foods, researchers hypothesize that insulin resistance may improve, helping the body use insulin more efficiently.
Implications for people living with type 1 diabetes
These findings could be particularly relevant for patients facing rising insulin costs and concerns about accessibility. While insulin affordability and availability are influenced by many factors, dietary strategies that reduce insulin needs may offer a practical, lifestyle-centered approach to managing the condition. It’s important for individuals to consult with healthcare providers before making significant dietary changes, especially in the context of type 1 diabetes, to ensure ongoing safety and proper blood sugar monitoring.
What comes next
As insulin prices in the United States continue to rise, patients and clinicians are paying closer attention to diets that could support better glucose control with less reliance on insulin. The Physicians Committee’s 2024 findings add to a growing interest in plant-forward eating patterns as a potential adjunct to medical therapy. Future research will help clarify which components of a low-fat vegan diet most strongly influence insulin sensitivity and how best to implement such a plan in diverse populations.
Hana Kahleova, MD, PhD, lead author of the study and director of clinical research at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, notes that these results do not replace medical treatment but could complement it. With ongoing support from healthcare teams, patients may explore dietary options that improve health outcomes while potentially reducing costs associated with type 1 diabetes management.
