Last updated September 2, 2026
Key finding
HbA1c decreased by 0.5% in the vegan group.
A randomized controlled trial found that a vegan diet significantly improved glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes compared to a conventional diet.
Quick read
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Medium-Term (3–12 mo)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
A randomized controlled trial found that a vegan diet significantly improved glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes compared to a conventional diet.
These findings are significant as they suggest that dietary choices can play a crucial role in managing type 2 diabetes. Improved glycemic control can lead to better health outcomes and potentially reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications. As dietary interventions are often more acceptable to patients, promoting a vegan diet could enhance adherence to lifestyle changes.
The study's sample size may limit the generalizability of the findings. Fasting plasma glucose levels showed no significant change, indicating mixed results. The duration of the intervention may not reflect long-term dietary adherence.
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Yu-Mi L, Se-A K, In-Kyu L, et al. A Vegan Diet Improves Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial. PLoS ONE. 2016;11(6):e0155918. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0155918
HbA1c decreased by 0.5% in the vegan group (p=0.017).
BMI decreased by 0.5 kg/m² in the vegan group.
Waist circumference decreased by 3.1 cm in the vegan group.
Evidence network
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This study contributes evidence to Conventional diet recommended by the Korean Diabetes Association, Vegan diet and BMI, Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG), HbA1c, and 1 more.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Conventional diet recommended by the Korean Diabetes Association
Primary outcomes
Primary intervention
Primary outcomes
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
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Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
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Evidence pairs
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Contributes evidence
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Contributes evidence
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Primary evidence
Evidence topic
matched_outcome
Related evidence
Evidence topic
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Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Conventional diet recommended by the Korean Diabetes Association → BMI
Conventional diet recommended by the Korean Diabetes Association → BMI
Conventional diet recommended by the Korean Diabetes Association → Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)
Conventional diet recommended by the Korean Diabetes Association → Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)
Conventional diet recommended by the Korean Diabetes Association → HbA1c
Conventional diet recommended by the Korean Diabetes Association → HbA1c
Conventional diet recommended by the Korean Diabetes Association → Waist circumference
Conventional diet recommended by the Korean Diabetes Association → Waist circumference
Vegan diet → Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)
Vegan diet → Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Conventional diet recommended by the Korean Diabetes Association and Body Mass Index, Conventional diet recommended by the Korean Diabetes Association and Fasting Glucose.
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Diet and Nutrition
Diet and Nutrition
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
All studies measuring Body Mass Index
Measures Body Mass Index as a key outcome.
All studies on Conventional diet recommended by the Korean Diabetes Association
Contributes to Conventional diet recommended by the Korean Diabetes Association evidence base.
All studies measuring Fasting Glucose
Measures Fasting Glucose as a key outcome.
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1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Conventional diet recommended by the Korean Diabetes Association appears to affect BMI.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
BMI
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Conventional diet recommended by the Korean Diabetes Association appears to lower HbA1c.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
HbA1c
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Conventional diet recommended by the Korean Diabetes Association appears to affect waist circumference.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Waist circumference
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Vegan diet appears to affect BMI.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
BMI
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
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