Consumption of vegetarian diets is associated with improved glycemic control in type 2 diabetes .
INTRODUCTION Previous studies have suggested an association between vegetarian diets and improvements in glycemic control in diabetes , although this relationship is not well established .
No meta- analysis of these studies has been performed .
METHODS To conduct a systematic review and meta- analysis of controlled clinical trials examining the association between  vegetarian diets  and  glycemic control in type 2 diabetes .
Meat Consumption as a Risk Factor for Type 2 Diabetes
Disease risk factors identified in epidemiological studies serve as important public health tools , helping clinicians identify individuals who may benefit from more aggressive screening or risk-modification procedures  , allowing policymakers to prioritize intervention programs , and encouraging at-risk individuals to modify behavior and improve their health . These factors have been based primarily on evidence from cross-sectional and prospect i ve studies , as most do not lend themselves to r and omized trials . While some risk factors are not modifiable , eating habits are subject to change through both individual action and broader policy initiatives . Meat consumption has been frequently investigated as a variable associated with diabetes risk , but it has not yet been described as a diabetes risk factor . In this article , we evaluate the evidence supporting the use of  meat consumption as a clinical ly useful risk factor for type 2 diabetes , based on studies evaluating the risks associated with  meat consumption  as a categorical dietary characteristic ( i.e. , meat consumption versus no meat consumption ) , as a scalar variable ( i.e. , gradations of meat consumption ) , or as part of a broader dietary pattern
Consumption of vegetarian diets is associated with improved glycemic control in type 2 diabetes .
INTRODUCTION Previous studies have suggested an association between vegetarian diets and improvements in glycemic control in diabetes , although this relationship is not well established .
No meta- analysis of these studies has been performed .
METHODS To conduct a systematic review and meta- analysis of controlled clinical trials examining the association between  vegetarian diets  and  glycemic control in type 2 diabetes .