Is There a Link between Meat Consumption and Type-2 Diabetes?

Research Highlights Association between Meat Consumption and Higher Risk of Type-2 Diabetes

Researchers in the UK have recently highlighted an association between eating meat, particularly processed meat and unprocessed red meat, with a higher risk of developing type-2 diabetes. For instance, eating two slices of ham a day could raise your type-2 diabetes risk by 15%, according to the findings of a major scientific study conducted by University of Cambridge researchers, analyzing data from nearly two million people.

Methodology and Findings

The study analyzed data from 31 study cohorts in 20 countries, taking into account factors such as age, gender, health-related behaviors, energy intake, and body mass index. The research suggests that the habitual consumption of 50g of processed meat a day is associated with a 15% higher risk of developing type-2 diabetes over the next 10 years. Meanwhile, eating 100g of unprocessed red meat a day – equivalent to a small steak – is associated with a 10% higher risk of developing type-2 diabetes.

Comparison with Poultry Consumption

The risk is slightly lower with poultry, with an increased risk of 8% for the habitual consumption of 100g of poultry a day. However, senior author Nita Forouhi points out that "while our findings provide more comprehensive evidence on the association between poultry consumption and type-2 diabetes than was previously available, the link remains uncertain and needs to be investigated further."

Global Impact and Concerns

The study highlights the potential global impact of this association, as type-2 diabetes is projected to affect 783 million people worldwide by 2045, according to estimates by the International Diabetes Federation. The findings also raise concerns about the potential health risks associated with meat consumption, particularly processed and red meat.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study provides strong evidence of an association between meat consumption and a higher risk of developing type-2 diabetes. The findings suggest that reducing meat intake, particularly processed and red meat, may be an important strategy for reducing the risk of developing type-2 diabetes.

FAQs

• What is the recommended daily intake of meat to reduce the risk of type-2 diabetes?
  • According to the study, eating 50g of processed meat and 100g of unprocessed red meat a day is associated with a 15% and 10% higher risk of developing type-2 diabetes, respectively.
• Is there a link between poultry consumption and type-2 diabetes?
  • The study suggests a slightly lower risk, with an increased risk of 8% for the habitual consumption of 100g of poultry a day, but the link is considered uncertain and needs further investigation.
• What is the projected global impact of type-2 diabetes by 2045?
  • According to the International Diabetes Federation, type-2 diabetes is projected to affect 783 million people worldwide by 2045.