A recent study led by Cambridge University has linked the daily consumption of red and processed meat to a heightened risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The findings indicate that consuming two slices of ham per day can increase this risk by as much as 15%, according to Knewz.com.
The study analyzed data from almost two million participants across 31 study groups worldwide. It found that eating 3.5 ounces of unprocessed red meat daily—equivalent to a small steak—raises the risk of Type 2 diabetes by 10%.
This research, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, took into account factors such as age, gender, body mass index, energy intake, and other health-related behaviors.
Poultry Consumption Linked to Diabetes Risk
The study also examined the impact of poultry consumption, finding that the habitual intake of chicken, turkey, or duck was associated with an 8% higher risk of Type 2 diabetes. However, further analyses revealed that this association weakened under different scenarios, whereas the risk associated with red and processed meats remained strong.
Experts Weigh In
Professor Nita Forouhi, senior author from the University of Cambridge, emphasized that the research provides the most comprehensive evidence to date on the link between meat consumption and Type 2 diabetes. She stressed the importance of limiting processed and red meat intake to reduce the risk of developing the disease.
The study also highlighted the need for further research on the relationship between poultry consumption and diabetes, as the current findings are not yet conclusive.
Professor Nick Wareham and Dr. Chunxiao Li, both contributors to the research, underscored the global nature of the study, which included data from regions often underrepresented in such research, such as Latin America, South Asia, and the Middle East.
The findings suggest that reducing meat consumption, particularly processed and red meats, could be an effective strategy in combating the global rise in Type 2 diabetes.
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