Abstract

Studies have found a lower prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and better control of blood glucose levels among vegetarians. Hence, in this study, a comparison of vegetarians' health status and non-vegetarians was evaluated in type 2 diabetes patients. Differences in physical parameters such as height, weight, and BMI were measured. Biochemical parameters were evaluated for both groups. The Hba1c, lipid profile, calorie, carbohydrate, protein and fat intake were calculated for both groups from 24- hour dietary recall. It was found that vegetarians had a lower BMI, better HbA1c levels, and lipid profile. The finding also showed that vegetarian dietshad a higher fiber content in their diets which improves glycemic control when compared to that of the non-vegetarians. Non- vegetarians had a higher percentage of the fatty liver when compared with vegetarians. Therefore, taking a vegetarian diet was found to be slightly more protective for diabetic patients when compared to the patients who consumed non-vegetarian foods