Rising global meat consumption linked to increased type 2 diabetes risk- Study

Global meat production has increased significantly over the past 50 years, leading to higher meat consumption than recommended.

A recent study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology reveals a significant association between higher consumption of red and processed meats and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body does not use insulin properly, which leads to high levels of sugar in the blood. Insulin is a hormone that helps cells use sugar from the food we eat for energy. When insulin doesn't work well or isn't enough, sugar builds up in the blood instead.

Over time, this can cause health problems like heart disease, nerve damage, and vision problems. Type 2 diabetes often develops in adults and is commonly linked to being overweight, not getting enough exercise, and having a family history of diabetes.

The research, which analysed data from nearly 2 million participants worldwide, provides important insights into how dietary patterns impact diabetes risk.

Meat consumption has risen dramatically in recent decades, often surpassing recommended dietary guidelines in many countries. Previous studies have suggested a connection between the intake of processed and unprocessed red meats and type 2 diabetes, but these findings have been inconsistent and sometimes inconclusive.

Poultry, often suggested as a healthier alternative, has not been as thoroughly examined in this context.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge utilised the InterConnect project for their study. They focused on data from participants aged 18 and older who had details about their diet and whether they developed type 2 diabetes.

To ensure accuracy, they excluded individuals with diabetes, those with abnormal daily calorie intakes, and those with incomplete data on key factors. Of the 115 study groups contacted, 31 from 20 countries agreed to participate.

According to the researchers, consuming 50 grams of processed meat daily, approximately two slices of ham, was associated with a 15 per cent increased risk of type 2 diabetes over the next decade.

Eating 100 grams of unprocessed red meat daily, about the size of a small steak, was linked to a 10 per cent increased risk while habitual consumption of 100 grams of poultry daily was associated with an 8 per cent higher risk of type 2 diabetes, though this association was less pronounced compared to processed and red meats.

The use of InterConnect's extensive data set allowed researchers to integrate data from 18 studies that had not previously published results on this topic. This approach broadened the evidence base and reduced potential biases by including previously unpublished data. Dr Chunxiao Li, the lead author, highlighted that this methodology enabled more precise accounting for influencing factors such as lifestyle and health behaviours.

"The association between poultry consumption and type 2 diabetes was weaker than that for unprocessed red meat and processed meat consumption, but still suggested a slightly higher rate of type 2 diabetes. "The researchers said

The study's findings advocate for reducing unprocessed red and processed meat consumption to potentially lower the incidence of type 2 diabetes.

Sustainable dietary patterns

Additionally, this research highlights the importance of exploring sustainable dietary patterns and assessing how reducing meat consumption can impact other non-communicable diseases, multi-morbidity, and planetary health.

More than 400 million people have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, which is a leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes and lower limb amputation. In addition to maintaining a healthy weight and moving more, evidence suggests that one of the most important methods to reduce the risk of the disease is to improve your diet.

The InterConnect data allowed the research team to "more easily account for different factors, such as lifestyle or health behaviours, that may affect the association between meat consumption and diabetes", the researchers said

A 2019 Kenya Market Trust survey shows the average Kenyan consumes about 15 kilos of meat a year. Beef is the most popular meat in Kenya due to its relative affordability and availability. Beef is alternated with other meats like chicken, goat, mutton, fish and pork, which are slightly more expensive

A national population survey showed the prevalence of type 2 diabetes was almost two times higher in urban areas (3.4%) compared to rural (1.9%) areas. Other surveys reported even higher prevalence in low-income urban communities in the Kenyan capital

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the number of people with diabetes increased from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014. This rise has been more rapid in low- and middle-income countries compared to high-income countries.

Between 2000 and 2019, the mortality rates from diabetes increased by 3 per cent among all age groups. In 2019, diabetes and diabetes-related kidney disease were responsible for an estimated 2 million deaths.

To prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes, a healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding tobacco use are recommended. Diabetes can be managed and its complications mitigated through diet, physical activity, medication, and routine screening and treatment.