The subject of diabetes is well studied, and for good reason; more than 38 million Americans have diabetes, and of those, 90% to 95% have type 2. That’s about one in 10 people, making it a chronic public health problem. Studies have focused on the causes, whether dietary or lifestyle, looking to mitigate the risk and reduce the prevalence of this catastrophic health problem.
The Need for a Global Study
The problem is that many studies base their results on the American and European populations they study. On the surface, this makes sense; the issue is far greater in the West than elsewhere, but if we don’t look at different populations around, how can we apply the data to everyone? And maybe we are missing something. A recent study published in The Lancet looked to amend this with a meta-analysis of 1.97 million adults across 20 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific.
The second issue the study aims to address is the red meat question. For some time, studies have linked red meat to higher incidences of type 2 diabetes. However, the effect of poultry is seldom looked at, so these researchers decided to measure three categories: unprocessed red meat, processed meat, and poultry. On average, people in the study consumed up to about 110 grams of unprocessed red meat, 49 grams of processed meat, and 72 grams of poultry each day.
The Big Question
The hypothesis of the study is that eating unprocessed red meat and processed meat leads to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, while poultry might be a safer option. To test this, they analyzed data from people around the world, combining results to see how different types of meat consumption relate to diabetes risk. The results? Eating more of any of the three types of meat—unprocessed red meat, processed meat, and poultry—was linked to a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study found that for every 100 grams per day of red meat or poultry and every 50 grams per day of processed meat consumed, the risk increased.
The trend was particularly strong in North America, Europe, and the Western Pacific. Age, gender, and body weight didn’t significantly affect these results.
Regional Trends and Interesting Differences
As you would expect, the strongest trends continue in North America and Europe, where meat consumption is notably high. In these regions, the link between red and processed meat consumption and the increased risk of type 2 diabetes is particularly evident. Interestingly, the study also revealed some variation in results across different regions, with places like eastern Mediterranean countries displaying no significant correlation, suggesting that cultural and dietary differences might influence the impact of meat consumption on diabetes risk.
Health Recommendations
This study was commissioned and at least partly funded by the European Union in order to improve health recommendations. However, it should be noted that the best treatment for type 2 diabetes is and will continue to be physical exercise. Of course, exercise is only half the picture, and diet plays a critical role. So, how exactly can you change your diet to minimize the risk or manage current problems?
To minimize your risk or manage existing diabetes, consider reducing your intake of processed meats. Replacing processed meat with unprocessed meat or poultry, as the study suggests, could lower your diabetes risk. At the same time, focusing on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can further help in preventing type 2 diabetes. Overall, by making mindful choices in your diet, alongside regular physical activity, you can significantly improve your overall health and reduce the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.
It is entirely possible for individuals to lower their risk of developing diabetes. Individuals can work to lower their risk of developing diabetes, while healthcare professionals like dieticians and those qualified with an MBA in nursing can work to tailor meal plans and implement policies in healthcare settings to deliver better patient outcomes.
The Role of Meat in Diabetes Development
At this point, it is almost common knowledge that red meat increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, but why and how does this happen? Before looking at the meat itself, researchers have examined the effect of all the additives in processed meat, as the prior study did, and found that the preservatives, additives, and chemicals like nitrites and nitrates used during manufacturing can harm the pancreas, the organ responsible for insulin production. This, of course, leads to problems like increased insulin resistance.
Additives aside, the high levels of saturated fat, cholesterol, and heme iron in red meats may further contribute to the increased risk of type 2 diabetes. At the moment, the exact mechanisms are still being studied, but the harmful effects of these additives and nutrients have clearly been correlated with increased incidences of type 2 diabetes.
Diet and Exercise
These are the two most powerful things you can do for type 2 diabetes. Remember, the definition of a type 2 diabetic is someone whose body does not use insulin as it should; however, unlike a type 1 diabetic, your body can still produce enough insulin to function. It is possible for many type 2 diabetics to achieve full remission and return to normal glucose levels. As research improves, there will be more and more ways to regulate blood sugar and reverse the pandemic diabetes that has gripped the West.
