A recent study led by the University of Cambridge and encompassing data from 2 million people worldwide has highlighted the significant risks associated with consuming processed and red meat. The research, published in Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, indicates that eating just two slices of ham daily can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 15%.
This study provides some of the most comprehensive evidence to date linking meat consumption with the disease, which is a major global health concern affecting over 400 million people.
The findings of this meta-analysis, which involved 1.97 million adults from various regions including Europe, the Americas, and Asia, underscore the importance of dietary choices in managing diabetes risk.
The study suggests that regular consumption of processed meat and unprocessed red meat is linked to a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Specifically, a daily intake of 50 grams of processed meat is associated with a 15% higher risk, while 100 grams of unprocessed red meat corresponds to a 10% higher risk. Poultry consumption also showed a link, though less pronounced.
The research, conducted through the InterConnect project funded by the EU, analyzed data from 31 study groups to explore the relationship between meat consumption and type 2 diabetes.
While the association with poultry was weaker compared to processed and red meats, the results emphasize the need to reduce the consumption of these meats to lower diabetes risk. The NHS guidelines in the UK recommend limiting daily intake of red and processed meats to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and other health issues.
The study employed a novel approach by examining individual participant data from each study, which allowed for a more precise assessment of the relationship between meat consumption and diabetes. Experts who reviewed the study acknowledged its robustness, though they noted that it demonstrates association rather than causation.
The research supports existing recommendations to moderate meat consumption as part of a broader strategy to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, which also includes a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and regular physical activity.
The study reinforces the idea that reducing the intake of processed and red meats could be beneficial in preventing type 2 diabetes.
Although it does not establish causation, the evidence aligns with current health guidelines and emphasizes the value of a balanced diet and lifestyle in managing diabetes risk. The findings advocate for dietary changes that could contribute to better overall health and help combat the global rise in type 2 diabetes.
