Vegetarian Diet Impact on Diabetic Nephropathy: A Clinical Study

Summary: Vegetarian Diets May Improve Early Diabetic Kidney Disease

The authors did a study with 8 diabetic patients who had early stage diabetic kidney disease. They were put on a mostly vegetarian diet for 8 weeks. The diet was supplemented to avoid limiting total protein.

They measured:

- Albumin in the urine (albuminuria)

- Nutrition status

- Blood sugar

- Blood pressure

Results:

- Much less albumin spilled into the urine on the vegetarian diet

- No negative impact on nutrition status, blood sugar or blood pressure

- Levels returned to baseline after resuming normal diets

So a predominantly vegetarian diet reduced albuminuria in early diabetic kidney disease without needing to restrict total protein intake. This suggests vegetable protein could specifically benefit diabetic kidney health. More studies are still needed.

Jibani MM, Bloodworth LL, Foden E, Griffiths KD, Galpin OP. Predominantly vegetarian diet in patients with incipient and early clinical diabetic nephropathy: effects on albumin excretion rate and nutritional status. Diabet Med. 1991 Dec;8(10):949-53. doi: 10.1111/j.1464-5491.1991.tb01535.x. PMID: 1838047.