Consuming Red and Processed Meat Increases Diabetes Risk By 33%

From thebeet.com

Decreasing consumption of red and processed meat, poultry, and fish, may decrease your risk of developing type-2 diabetes, according to exciting new research.

The meta-analysis, published in Diabetes and Metabolism, reviewed nearly thirty studies that evaluated the dietary habits of people who consumed various animal products. In total, the study reviewed results from more than 386,000 individuals to see how eating meat, or skipping it, would affect one's chances of contracting type 2 diabetes over a lifetime. The evidence was clear. Eat meat, raise your risk of type 2 diabetes. Skip it and you lower your risk.

“Overall, the results of this meta-analysis demonstrated a positive association between [type-2 diabetes] and total meat consumption, red meat consumption, and processed meat consumption," according to Endocrinology Advisor.

Just how much did meat consumption tick up the risk factors?

The research found that people who consumed the most red meat saw a 22 percent increase; processed meat 25 percent. But those who consumed significant amounts of both saw a type-2 diabetes risk increased as high as 33 percent. When the subjects consumed an additional 50 grams more per day, the diabetes risk increased to 46 percent.

While sugar is more often associated with the onset of type-2 diabetes, the researchers found that it’s not the only factor. Increased consumption of saturated fat, cholesterol, and heme iron from animal protein was connected with the increased risk. Weight gain from excessive meat consumption may also play a role, the researches noted.

More than 100 million adults in the U.S. are currently diagnosed as diabetic or prediabetic, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Once called “adult-onset diabetes,” the disease is now more commonly referred to as type-2 diabetes because of the frequent occurrence in children. As many as 30 percent of all children ages 2-18 are overweight or obese. Being overweight is strongly linked to developing type-2 diabetes.

Studies also point to the connection between fruits and vegetables and the risk of developing diabetes. One study found that people with high levels of vitamin C, from regular consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, was associated with a 62 percent reduced risk for developing the disease. Other research points to the benefit of a completely meatless diet in mitigating the risks of developing diabetes. A 2019 Harvard Health study found a predominantly plant-based diet led to a 23 percent reduced risk of developing type-2 diabetes.

https://thebeet.com/consuming-red-and-processed-meat-increases-diabetes-risk-by-33/