There is a link between the kind of meat you eat and a chronic disease, says new study

The meat you eat might raise your type 2 diabetes risk, a new study says.

Consuming red and processed meats regularly is connected to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a new analysis published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.

Dr. Nita Forouhi from the University of Cambridge highlighted that this study, which examined data from 31 groups, is the most thorough in showing the connection between these meats and type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes, a common form of the disease, is caused by consistently high blood sugar levels and can lead to severe health problems if not managed.

Dr. Hilda Mulrooney of London Metropolitan University highlighted that while more research is needed on poultry and cooking methods risks, the new study supports current guidelines to reduce meat consumption.

However, the study couldn’t prove that meat consumption directly causes diabetes, but the connection was strong and consistent across various regions and countries, according to the researchers.

Researchers reviewed data from almost 2 million people in 20 countries, factoring in diet quality, physical activity, smoking, alcohol intake, energy intake, and body mass index to ensure accurate results about meat and type 2 diabetes, according to Forouhi.

However, the data did not consider other factors that might affect type 2 diabetes, like family history, insulin resistance, and waist circumference, according to Dr. Duane Mellor, who was not involved in the research.

According to Mellor, these factors are more closely linked to type 2 diabetes risk than the researchers accounted for.

“It is possible that the increased risk associated with processed and red meat intake could be a result of these other confounding factors,” he said.

Despite some limitations, Mulrooney emphasized that the new study and current dietary advice strongly recommend reducing meat consumption.

“Meat consumption generally exceeds dietary guidance,” she said, adding that that guidelines suggest replacing red and processed meats with poultry and opting for alternatives like peas, beans, lentils, and tofu.

While research on poultry and type 2 diabetes risk is not yet clear, a recent study found that substituting red and processed meats with poultry reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to Mulrooney.

“It is well known that generally the available processed meat such as ham, sausages, bacon, hot dogs, salami or pepperoni are highly processed, containing chemical additives as well as being high in salt, making them unhealthy for a wide range of health conditions,” Forouhi said.

To reduce meat intake, consider eating it less often, having smaller portions, or opting for protein-rich alternatives.

Mellor also advised focusing on a diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and beans and regular exercise for those concerned about diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes happens when your body doesn’t use insulin well, causing your blood sugar to go too high, says Clevelend Clinic.

If you don’t treat it, you might get sick with things like heart problems, kidney problems, or strokes. You can manage it by eating healthy, exercising, taking medicine, and seeing your doctor often.

Unlike Type 1 diabetes, where your body stops making insulin, Type 2 diabetes means you either don’t make enough insulin or your body doesn’t use it right.

Type 2 diabetes is common, affecting over 37 million people in the U.S., or about 1 in 10. Globally, about 6.3% of the population has the condition.

While adults over 45 are at type 2 diabetes risk, it can also occur in younger people, including children.

Type 2 diabetes symptoms develop gradually and include:

• Extreme hunger
• Dry skin
• Fatigue
• Tingling in hands or feet
• Unexplained weight loss
• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst
• Blurred vision
• Slow healing of cuts
• People assigned female at birth may also experience frequent yeast infections or urinary tract infections.

If you have these symptoms, see your healthcare provider; simple blood tests can diagnose the condition.

Here’s a quick video about the link between the meat you eat and type 2 diabetes: