News for meat lovers! Eating any kind of meat can cause diabetes: Study

We are what we eat – this statement is true. The food we eat and the way we eat it determines our health. Having a nutritious diet can keep us healthy, while eating too much fried and unhealthy foods on a regular basis can have an adverse effect on our health. A recent study suggests a link between food and chronic diseases – a link between meat intake and type 2 diabetes. The research was conducted on about two million participants from 20 countries – the study suggested that different types of meat may lead to the development of type 2 diabetes.

Meat consumption and diabetes:

The study suggests that consumption of any type of meat – whether it is processed, unprocessed or poultry – may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. The study further challenges the notion that poultry is relatively healthier than red meat. It also forces us to rethink meat as our preferred protein source. The study was conducted on large populations including the US, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, South Asia and Western Pacific, providing a global perspective on the link between meat consumption and diabetes.

Three Categories of Meat Consumption:

The research studied three categories of meat consumption – unprocessed red meat (such as beef, pork and lamb), processed meat (such as bacon, sausage and hot dogs) and poultry (including chicken, turkey and duck). Then, their relationship with diabetes was studied for about ten years. The results showed that for every 100 grams of unprocessed meat consumed, the risk of diabetes increased by 10 percent. Consuming 50 grams of processed meat could increase the risk of diabetes by 15 percent, while consuming 100 grams of poultry per day could increase the risk of diabetes by 8 percent. These results held firm even after studying the effect of other factors such as age, gender, education level, physical activity and body mass index.

Also read: Heme iron vs non-heme iron: Know why red meat can increase your diabetes risk by 26 percent

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor for any questions about any medical condition.