According to a recent CDC report, type 2 diabetes is a growing health problem, affecting 9.4% of the U.S population, with more than a third of adults being prediabetic and most not even knowing this.  
 
Fortunately, following a whole-foods plant-based diet can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes significantly. For instance, consuming a greater quantity and variety of fruits and vegetables reduces risk. In particular, intake of leafy green vegetables and root vegetables is inversely correlated with this disease.  Carbohydrates are often vilified, but actually,  greater whole-grain intake is associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes, as well as cardiovascular disease, and weight gain. 
 
In contrast, dietary fat is a major contributing factor to insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. In view of this, it is not surprising that a low-fat diet is better than a conventional diabetes diet.  It has even been found that a low-fat vegan diet is comparable in adherence and acceptability among individuals with type 2 diabetes compared to a conventional diabetes diet. 
 
Consumption of meat and eggs is also associated with increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 
 
See more at Vegan Health.