Key points from article :
A comprehensive study led by the University of Cambridge, involving 2 million people worldwide, has revealed a significant link between meat consumption and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Published in Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, the research highlights that eating processed or red meat can elevate diabetes risk, with just two slices of ham daily raising the risk by 15%. This is the largest study of its kind, analyzing data from 31 different research groups and offering some of the most detailed evidence to date on the subject.
The study, part of the EU-funded InterConnect project, examined dietary data from 1.97 million adults across 20 countries, including regions in Europe, the Americas, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific. Researchers found that habitual consumption of 50 grams of processed meat per day—roughly equivalent to two slices of ham—is associated with a 15% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes within the next decade.
Similarly, eating 100 grams of unprocessed red meat daily, about the size of a small steak, is linked to a 10% increased risk, while daily poultry consumption of 100 grams is associated with an 8% higher risk. However, the link between poultry and diabetes is less consistent and requires further research.
The study's methodology involved analyzing individual participant data, which provided a more precise understanding of the relationship between meat consumption and diabetes compared to previous studies.
The findings support current health recommendations to limit processed and red meat intake to reduce diabetes risk. Experts not involved with the study agree that while the evidence shows a clear association, further research is needed to confirm causation.
Overall, the research aligns with broader dietary guidelines emphasizing the benefits of reducing meat consumption and adopting a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
