A protective effect of vegan diets on health outcomes has been observed in previous studies, but its impact on diabetes is still debated. The aim of this review is to assess the relationship between vegan diets and the risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D) along with its effect on glycemic control and diabetes-related complications. In accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta–Analyses) guidelines, Pubmed and Cochrane library databases were systematically searched for all relevant studies. Seven observational and eight randomized controlled (RCTs) studies were included. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the National Institutes of Health quality assessment tool for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for RCTs. We found that a vegan diet is associated with lower T2D prevalence or incidence and in T2D patients decreases high glucose values and improves glucose homeostasis, as reported from the majority of included studies. This approach seems to be comparable to other recommended healthful eating models, but as it may have potential adverse effects associated with the long-term exclusion of some nutrients, appropriate nutritional planning and surveillance are recommended, particularly in specific groups of diabetic patients such as frail elderly, adolescents, and pregnant or breastfeeding women.

BACKGROUND: Postprandial Glucose Excursion (PPGE) control is one of the goals of diabetes therapy. Patients should count meal carbohydrates but it is often inaccurate. Automated Advanced Hybrid Closed Loop (AHCL) systems may overcome carbohydrate count mistakes and aid to improve PPGE control. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of switching from manual Sensor Augmented Pump (SAP) to AHCL on PPGE in Type 1 Diabetic (T1D) subjects. METHODS: In 15 T1D patients using manual SAP, the Area Under the Curve (AUC) after breakfast, lunch and dinner was calculated for two weeks before (T0), immediately (T1) and 3 months (T2) after switching to 780 G AHCL system. Total Daily Dose (TDD), Time Above/Below/In Range (TAR, TBR, TIR), BMI, A1c, lipid profile and Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ) were considered. RESULTS: A significant reduction in AUC was observed for breakfast and dinner at T2 and for lunch and dinner at T1. TIR increased, while TAR and TBR reduced significantly from T0 to T1 and T2. For A1c, BMI and plasma lipids no statistically significant differences were observed, although A1c decreased from 7.2% to 6.8%. TDD increased significantly, due to the automatic correction boluses. DTSQ score at T2 was 33 (range 32–34, max 36). CONCLUSIONS: After switching to AHCL, PPGE decreased rapidly by automatic correction boluses, without weight gain. Meal management simplification and glucose control improvement were associated with high satisfaction scores.