Understanding the new research on diet and type 1 diabetes
A recent analysis of data from a 2024 study by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) suggests that a low-fat vegan diet, when followed without restricting calories or carbohydrates, can reduce the amount of insulin needed by people living with type 1 diabetes. The findings, published in BMC Nutrition, indicate meaningful clinical and economic benefits for insulin users.
Insulin is essential for people with type 1 diabetes because their bodies do not produce enough of the hormone. In some individuals, insulin resistance can develop, making it harder for glucose to enter cells and prompting higher insulin requirements. Dietary fat has been shown to influence insulin sensitivity, and the new analysis explored how a low-fat vegan pattern might impact insulin use and costs.
What the study found
The analysis compared a low-fat vegan diet to a portion-controlled diet within a cohort of people with type 1 diabetes. Key outcomes included changes in total daily insulin dose and the corresponding costs. The vegan group experienced a 28% reduction in total daily insulin, equating to about 12.1 units per day, while the portion-controlled group saw no significant change. In parallel, insulin costs decreased by 27% (roughly $1.08 per day) in the vegan group, with no meaningful change in the control group.
Researchers interpret these results as evidence of improved insulin sensitivity among participants on the low-fat vegan regimen. In practical terms, better insulin efficiency could translate into more stable blood glucose management and lower long-term medication expenses for those managing type 1 diabetes.
Beyond insulin: other potential benefits
The 2024 PCRM study reported additional health improvements among participants following a vegan approach. On average, participants lost about 11 pounds, with improvements in insulin sensitivity and glycemic control. Lipid profiles and kidney function also showed favorable changes, aligning with broader cardiovascular and metabolic health benefits often associated with plant-based, low-fat eating patterns.
The rising cost of insulin and why diet matters
Insulin prices in the United States have risen sharply in the past decade. Spending on insulin reached $22.3 billion in 2022, according to the American Diabetes Association, and inflation-adjusted costs increased by about 24% from 2017 to 2022. In this context, dietary strategies that reduce insulin needs could offer important financial relief for people with type 1 diabetes, in addition to potential health benefits from improved glucose control.
What this means for people with type 1 diabetes
For those living with type 1 diabetes, considering a low-fat vegan diet could be a proactive step toward better insulin efficiency and reduced costs. It’s important to approach dietary changes with medical guidance, especially when adjusting insulin dosing. People should work with clinicians or diabetes educators to monitor blood glucose, adjust insulin, and ensure the diet supports overall nutrition, including adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Practical tips for starting a low-fat vegan plan
- Focus on whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and low-fat dairy alternatives if desired within dietary preferences.
- Limit added fats (oil-heavy preparations) to maintain a naturally low-fat profile.
- Track carbohydrate intake with a disease-management app or food diary to help adjust insulin accurately.
- Consult a healthcare professional before making major dietary changes, especially to insulin regimens.
As insulin costs continue to be a concern for many patients, evidence pointing to a low-fat vegan diet as a means to reduce insulin needs holds potential for both health and financial benefits. The study’s lead author, Hana Kahleova, MD, PhD, emphasizes the role of diet in improving insulin sensitivity and managing type 1 diabetes more efficiently.
