Vegan NYC Mayor Faces Backlash for Encouraging Diabetes Medication Abandonment
New York City Mayor Claims to Reverse Diabetes Through Vegan Diet, Facing Criticism
New York City mayor Eric Adams (D.) is facing criticism after he boldly claimed in a Netflix documentary that he successfully reversed his type 2 diabetes solely by adopting a vegan lifestyle and not relying on insulin.
“When she saw my number reverse in my A1C, what is the, an indicator of your sugar level, she said, ‘Wow, the medicine must be working.’ And I remember placing all the medicine on the table, unused, and said, ‘No, I didn’t use the medicine. I went on a whole-food, plant-based diet,'” Adams says in the documentary, describing a checkup with his endocrinologist after his diagnosis.
Adams shared this story during an interview for the Netflix series You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment, which explores the health effects of a vegan versus omnivorous diet on sets of twins. The mayor appears in the series alongside other influential vegan advocates.
“It was truly astonishing to me when you consider all the scientific evidence that is right in front of us,” Adams added. “You know the old Greek term, ‘Let food be thy medicine, let thy medicine be food.’ And I decided I wanted to harness the power of food, because I was really hesitant to rely on insulin. But all the doctors I consulted with for alternatives basically told me, ‘Eric, this is your new normal.’ And one doctor, my endocrinologist, I distinctly remember sitting down with her, and she said it was impossible. And I said, ‘Well, I’m going to give it a try.’
Interestingly, this account differs slightly from what Adams wrote in his 2020 book, where he claimed to have initially used insulin but then stopped after switching to a plant-based diet following a consultation with a specialist from the Cleveland Clinic. In the book, Adams mentioned informing his doctor about discontinuing the medication a month prior to the visit.
While lifestyle changes such as adopting a healthier diet and increasing physical activity can help mitigate or even reverse type 2 diabetes, most medical professionals would not advise patients to disregard their prescribed insulin.
One expert who expressed concern over Adams’s comments in the documentary was Stanford nutrition scientist and professor Christopher Gardner, who designed the twin study featured in the show.
“The mayor does indicate that he didn’t take any of the medications that were prescribed,” Gardner told Vice. “MOST people who are prescribed medicines should take them, and take all of them. In fact, even when prescribed, and prescriptions are filled, many people do NOT take all of their meds, and this can be problematic for their care.”
Adams’s spokesperson, Charles Lutvak, denied that the mayor advocated for abandoning diabetes medication during the interview, stating that he was simply sharing his personal experience and did not offer advice to others.
Louie Psihoyos, the director of the series, supported Lutvak’s statement, emphasizing that the documentary explicitly states at the beginning that it should not be considered medical advice and that Adams or the filmmakers never recommended discontinuing medication.
It is worth noting that Adams has recently faced ridicule for making peculiar comments, such as suggesting that New York City could experience catastrophic events on a daily basis. Additionally, the FBI is currently investigating whether his 2021 mayoral campaign colluded with the Turkish government and a construction company owned by Turkish nationals to receive illegal funds, although neither Adams nor his campaign have been formally accused of any wrongdoing.
What cautionary advice do medical professionals offer regarding Adams’ claims and the use of insulin in managing diabetes
Clinic. In the book, Adams states that his blood sugar levels improved, allowing him to gradually reduce and eventually eliminate the use of insulin.
Despite his claims, Adams has faced criticism from medical professionals and experts in the field. Many argue that reversing type 2 diabetes solely through a vegan diet is unlikely and may give false hope to others suffering from the condition. They emphasize the importance of a multidimensional approach that includes medication, exercise, and proper medical supervision.
Dr. David Katz, founding director of the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center, expressed skepticism about Adams’ claims. He stated, “While a plant-based diet can certainly be part of a comprehensive approach to managing and potentially reversing type 2 diabetes, it is not a standalone solution for everyone.”
Furthermore, Dr. Keri Peterson, an internal medicine specialist, cautioned against the potential dangers of Adams’ message. She explained, “It’s essential that individuals with diabetes do not discontinue their prescribed medications without consulting their healthcare providers. Insulin is a lifesaving medication for many people, and the decision to stop taking it should be made under medical supervision.”
Eric Adams has been known for his advocacy of a vegan lifestyle and its health benefits. As mayor of New York City, he has implemented numerous initiatives to promote plant-based eating, such as “Meatless Mondays” in the city’s public schools. However, this controversy raises questions about the responsible dissemination of health information by public figures in positions of influence.
While the debate surrounding Eric Adams’ claims continues, it is crucial to remember that each individual’s experience with diabetes and its management is unique. Type 2 diabetes is a complex metabolic disorder that requires personalized medical attention. Adopting a plant-based diet may have its benefits, but it should not be seen as a quick fix or a one-size-fits-all solution.
In conclusion, Eric Adams’ assertion of reversing his type 2 diabetes through a vegan diet has sparked controversy and criticism. Medical professionals caution against solely relying on dietary changes and emphasize the importance of comprehensive management, including medical supervision and adherence to prescribed medications. While Adams’ story may inspire some, it is essential to approach health claims with skepticism and consult healthcare providers for personalized diabetes management strategies.
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