A groundbreaking study reveals that consuming as little as two slices of ham per day could elevate the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 15%. The research, conducted by the University of Cambridge and published in The Lancet, represents the largest meta-analysis on the association between meat consumption and diabetes risk.
Study Overview
The study examined the dietary habits of 2 million adults, focusing on the impact of red and processed meats. The researchers found that eating 100 grams of red meat daily—equivalent to a small steak or medium-sized hamburger patty—and 50 grams of processed meat daily—roughly two to three slices of bacon or a medium sausage—correlated with a notable increase in diabetes risk.
According to Professor Nita Forouhi from the University of Cambridge, “Our findings offer the most comprehensive evidence to date on the link between processed and unprocessed red meat consumption and an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes.” This research reinforces dietary recommendations to limit the intake of these meats to mitigate diabetes risk.
Expert Insights
Dr. Duane Mellor of the British Dietetic Association emphasized that while the study accounts for various risk factors such as body weight, smoking, and alcohol consumption, other factors may also influence diabetes risk.
Type 2 diabetes involves two primary issues: insufficient insulin production and poor insulin response by cells, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. According to the Mayo Clinic, risk factors include weight, physical inactivity, and abdominal fat distribution.
This recent study builds on previous research linking red meat to increased diabetes risk. Last year, researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that high intakes of red and processed meats were linearly associated with a higher incidence of type 2 diabetes among 216,695 participants.
Despite the observational nature of these studies, Professor Naveed Sattar from the University of Glasgow noted that reducing red and processed meat consumption could protect against diabetes, as well as heart disease and stroke. “The data suggest that cutting these meats from diets may be beneficial in preventing type 2 diabetes, which is increasingly prevalent worldwide,” he told the BBC.
As the research continues to unfold, it underscores the importance of dietary choices in managing and preventing type 2 diabetes.
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