A new national poll suggests most Americans are open to changing how they eat if it could help prevent or manage type 2 diabetes. The survey, conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and Morning Consult, found that 65% of adults would consider trying a low-fat, plant-based diet if their doctor recommended it.
The poll, conducted among more than 2,200 U.S. adults, also showed significant gaps in public understanding of diet and diabetes risk. Among those whose health care providers had discussed type 2 diabetes with them, 57% were aware that eating more vegetables could lower risk and 34% knew that fruit plays a protective role. But only 21% recognized that a low-fat, plant-based diet may help prevent or improve the disease.
“The good news is that most Americans would be open to trying a plant-based diet to prevent and treat type 2 diabetes, and we have the resources to help them,” said Noah Praamsma, MS, RDN, a nutrition education coordinator with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, who co-leads the organization’s National Diabetes Program. “It’s also critical that we continue to educate more doctors and dietitians about prescribing a plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains and beans to their patients.”
While more Americans are aware of “low-carb” diets for blood sugar management, many may not realize that these often emphasize animal-based fats and proteins, which research suggests can raise diabetes risk when consumed in excess. The new survey found that half of adults who had discussed diabetes with their doctor believed a low-carbohydrate diet prevents or improves the condition, a finding at odds with some long-term studies linking animal-based low-carb diets to higher diabetes incidence.
Scientific evidence supports the idea that diet quality, rather than a single macronutrient approach, shapes long-term outcomes. Decades of research have found that plant-forward, high-fiber diets, those emphasizing beans, grains, fruits and vegetables, can improve insulin sensitivity, reduce liver and muscle fat, and lower HbA1c levels in people with type 2 diabetes. These benefits are often linked to decreased intake of saturated fats from animal products and increased consumption of antioxidants, fiber and unsaturated fats from plants.
Praamsma noted that while awareness is growing, physician guidance remains a key motivator for behavior change. In the poll, nearly half of respondents said they would find it helpful to have online resources with recipes or ongoing support from a dietitian when making major dietary shifts.
November marks National Diabetes Month, and the survey underscores the opportunity for health care professionals to bridge the gap between evidence and action. Awareness that food choices can directly influence diabetes risk is growing, but education and consistent guidance remain crucial for turning interest into lasting health habits.