New findings suggest a low-fat vegan approach can help people with type 1 diabetes reclaim control over insulin usage
A recent secondary analysis of a 2024 study by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, published in BMC Nutrition, indicates that a low-fat vegan diet, which does not restrict calories or carbohydrates, could reduce the amount of insulin a person with type 1 diabetes needs. The analysis compared a low-fat vegan diet with a portion-controlled diet and found meaningful improvements in insulin requirements and costs for those following the vegan plan.
How the study measured insulin use and costs
Insulin is essential for people with type 1 diabetes because their bodies do not produce enough of this hormone. In some cases, individuals develop insulin resistance, wherein cells respond poorly to insulin and glucose remains elevated in the blood. The researchers observed that insulin resistance is strongly influenced by dietary fat, which can hinder glucose uptake by cells. In this context, the low-fat vegan diet appeared to improve insulin sensitivity, leading to lower insulin needs even without restricting total calories or carbohydrates.
In the vegan group, total daily insulin dose decreased by an average of 12.1 units, a 28% reduction, while the portion-controlled group did not show a significant change. Correspondingly, insulin costs fell by about $1.08 per day, or 27%, in the vegan group, with no notable change in the comparison group. These results point to potential financial relief alongside clinical benefits for individuals managing type 1 diabetes on a vegan plan.
Additional health benefits observed with the vegan diet
The 2024 analysis highlighted that participants following a low-fat vegan diet experienced broader health gains beyond insulin reductions. Weight loss averaged around 11 pounds, and there were improvements in insulin sensitivity and glycemic control. Participants also showed favorable shifts in cholesterol levels and kidney function, all relevant factors in managing type 1 diabetes long-term. Together, these changes suggest a holistic benefit to adopting a low-fat vegan pattern focused on whole, plant-based foods rather than calorie or carbohydrate restriction.
Why fat intake matters for insulin sensitivity
Dietary fat can influence how effectively insulin helps glucose enter cells. By reducing fat intake, particularly saturated fats commonly found in animal products, cells may become more responsive to insulin. This enhanced insulin sensitivity means the body can use insulin more efficiently, potentially lowering daily needs and overall costs for people with type 1 diabetes. Importantly, the vegan approach in the study did not mandate limiting calories or carbohydrates, allowing for flexible meal planning and adherence for many individuals.
Implications amid rising insulin costs
Insulin prices in the United States have been rising, with spending tripling over the past decade to 22.3 billion dollars in 2022, according to the American Diabetes Association. Inflation-adjusted costs also increased substantially from 2017 to 2022. Against this backdrop, a dietary strategy that can reduce insulin requirements—and the associated costs—offers a compelling option for people living with type 1 diabetes and the healthcare system. While more research is needed to confirm these findings across diverse populations, the current analysis adds to a growing body of evidence that diet quality, and not just quantity, plays a critical role in metabolic health.
What this means for patients and clinicians
For patients, adopting a low-fat vegan diet can be a practical approach to potentially lowering insulin dependence and costs while supporting weight management and cardiovascular health. Clinicians may consider discussing dietary fat intake and plant-based meal patterns as part of a comprehensive diabetes management plan. It is essential, however, to work with healthcare providers to tailor any diet to individual needs, monitor blood glucose levels, and adjust insulin therapy safely.
About the study authors
Hana Kahleova, MD, PhD, is the lead author and director of clinical research at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Her work contributes to understanding how nutrition can influence insulin efficiency and overall metabolic health in people with type 1 diabetes.
