The Effects of a Plant-based Diet on Self-reported Prediabetes in Davidson, Hamilton, and Rutherford Counties in Tennessee

Abstract

ABSTRACT Diabetes mellitus, commonly referred to as “diabetes,” is characterized as elevated blood glucose levels resulting from the body’s inability to produce insulin or cells’ compromised sensitivity to insulin. Type 2 diabetes is a compromised sensitivity to insulin or insulin resistance that causes high blood glucose levels. There are several risks and contributing factors for the development of type 2 diabetes, such as lifestyles (diet and lack of limited physical activity), family history of diabetes, being overweight or obese, and gestational diabetes. Prediabetes is a state of insulin resistance that results in blood glucose levels being in the above-normal range but not high enough for diabetes diagnosis. Of these risk factors for diabetes, obesity is indicated as a leading factor for developing type 2 diabetes. A plant-based diet has been shown to be beneficial for glycemic control and weight management. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of consuming a plant-based diet on self-reported prediabetes in Davidson, Hamilton, and Rutherford Counties, Tennessee. The sample size of 247 included, 169 females and 77males. The age eligibility was 21 years and older. There was no existing research which examine the relationship of plant-based food consumption and prediabetes in the three aforementioned counties in Tennessee. Binomial logistic regression analysis was conducted using the totals from each food group to examine the relationship of consuming plant-based foods such as: grains, vegetables, fruits, other proteins, legumes, nuts and seeds and the likelihood of reporting prediabetes when adjusting for all control variables: age, sex, race, BMI, moderate physical activity, family history of diabetes and prediabetes. The results showed that only age and BMI were statistically significant for an increased likelihood of self-reporting prediabetes. Logistic regression analysis was also conducted using the totals servings from each food group to examine the relationship of consuming plant-based foods such as: grains, grains and bread, vegetables, fruits, other proteins, legumes, nuts and seeds and the likelihood of reporting prediabetes. The results showed that age and BMI significantly predicted an increased likelihood of reporting prediabetes, when controlling for the Meats and Fish group.