Eating red meat ‘increases type two diabetes danger', analysis reveals - and just 50g of ham a day ‘raises risk by 15%' READ MORE: The truth about five a day revealed and how to cut risk of cancer By Xantha Leatham Deputy Science Editor Published: 23:30, 20 August 2024 | Updated: 23:30, 20 August 2024 e-mail View comments Eating red and processed meat could lead to a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, analysis of two million people suggests. Researchers analysed data from 31 studies across 20 countries to find out whether there was a link between eating different types of meat and the condition, which affects millions of people in the UK. Analysis revealed that regularly eating 50 grams of processed meat a day – the equivalent of two slices of ham – was linked to a 15 per cent higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the next 10 years.
Meanwhile eating 100g of unprocessed red meat a day – equivalent to a small steak – was linked to a 10 per cent higher risk of type 2 diabetes. Eating 100g poultry per day – such as a small chicken breast – was also associated with an 8 per cent higher risk of the condition. Analysis revealed that regularly eating 50 grams of processed meat a day – the equivalent of two slices of ham – was linked to a 15 per cent higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the next 10 years Diabetes is now a 'rapidly escalating crisis' in the UK, as the number of people with the condition is thought to have exceeded five million for the first time However, when further investigations were carried out to test the findings under different scenarios, the poultry link weakened.
Professor Nita Forouhi, senior author of the paper from the University of Cambridge, said: ‘Our research provides the most comprehensive evidence to date of an association between eating processed meat and unprocessed red meat and a higher future risk of type 2 diabetes. ‘It supports recommendations to limit the consumption of processed meat and unprocessed red meat to reduce type 2 diabetes cases in the population. ‘While our findings provide more comprehensive evidence on the association between poultry consumption and type 2 diabetes than was previously available, the link remains uncertain and needs to be investigated further.
’ This chart shows how much meat Brits have purchased on average each week, data for 2022 shows a massive drop compared to historic levels (data doesn't include fish) Writing in the journal The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, the team said it is unclear exactly how meat consumption might affect type 2 diabetes risk. They suggest several possible mechanisms, including that cooking meat at high temperatures might trigger an inflammatory response in the body and lead to insulin resistance. Read More Is RED MEAT in the diet fuelling the type 2 diabetes epidemic? Commenting on the findings Dr Duane Mellor, dietician and spokesman for the British Dietetic Association, said: ‘The overall message to moderate meat intake is in line with national healthy eating guidelines and advice to reduce risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
‘This includes eating a diet which is based on vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, beans, peas and lentils along with some wholegrain and moderate amounts of meat and dairy with limited amounts of added fat, salt and sugar. ‘This should be accompanied by regular physical activity to minimise risk of developing type 2 diabetes. ‘If people are considering reducing their meat intake, it is important that the nutrients found in meat are obtained from other foods, these include iron, vitamin B12 and protein.
‘It is important when considering reducing or taking a type of food out of the diet, that any replacement foods provide the same nutrients to maintain a healthy diet overall.’ What is type 2 diabetes? Type 2 diabetes is a condition which causes a person's blood sugar to get too high. More than 4million people in the UK are thought to have some form of diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is associated with being overweight and you may be more likely to get it if it's in the family. The condition means the body does not react properly to insulin – the hormone which controls absorption of sugar into the blood – and cannot properly regulate sugar glucose levels in the blood. Excess fat in the liver increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes as the buildup makes it harder to control glucose levels, and also makes the body more resistant to insulin.
Weight loss is the key to reducing liver fat and getting symptoms under control. Symptoms include tiredness, feeling thirsty, and frequent urination. It can lead to more serious problems with nerves, vision and the heart.
Treatment usually involves changing your diet and lifestyle, but more serious cases may require medication. Share or comment on this article: Eating red meat 'increases type two diabetes danger', analysis reveals - and just 50g of ham a day 'raises risk by 15%' e-mail Add comment.
