FWIW, my eldest sister was told by her doctor that she had atherosclerosis and high blood pressure, and diabetes was kicking in on top of that. He said either change your diet and exercise, or go on insulin and BP meds. She read a book called "The China Study" and became convinced by what she read, so she switched to the whole foods, plant based diet that the authors recommend. I mean, she really stuck to it. Also started some modest exercise. In 8 months I think she'd lost over 40 lbs and her doctor gave her pretty much a clean bill of health... BP 100/60, cholesterol fine, heart is fine, arteries improved, blood sugar normal. She is in her late 70s.