While previous studies have found a link between red meat consumption and type 2 diabetes risk, this study, which analyzed a large number of type 2 diabetes cases among participants being followed for an extended period of years, adds a greater level of certainty about the association.
Type 2 diabetes rates are increasing rapidly in the U.S. and worldwide. This is concerning not only because the disease is a serious burden, but it also is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and kidney disease, cancer, and dementia.
For this study, the researchers analyzed health data from 216,695 participants from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS), NHS II, and Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS). Diet was assessed with food frequency questionnaires every two to four years, for up to 36 years. During this time, more than 22,000 participants developed type 2 diabetes.
Key Research Outcomes
The researchers found that consumption of red meat, including processed and unprocessed red meat, was strongly associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Participants who ate the most red meat had a 62% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who ate the least. Every additional daily serving of processed red meat was associated with a 46% greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes and every additional daily serving of unprocessed red meat was associated with a 24% greater risk.
The researchers also estimated the potential effects of substituting one daily serving of red meat for another protein source. They found that substituting a serving of nuts and legumes was associated with a 30% lower risk of type 2 diabetes, and substituting a serving of dairy products was associated with a 22% lower risk.
Two years ago I started eat red meat only 1 time every two weeks. I am feeling much better. I don't care about studies, but Im feeling good vs years ago when red meat was my daily dish, this is a fact.
How did you feel?
Regular digestion, no acidity or stomach pain (i was tormented by them earlier) and then in lesser case more mental lucidity, eating meat daily made me tired and heavier (i found joy in vegetables)
That's really good. It's important to eat things that your body agrees with (your stomach, not your tongue). I've found that eating vegetarian or vegan food (meatless protein) leaves me unsatisfied. My body literally feels weaker. Yes, I use protein powder and multivitamins too.
For some reason a full vegetable-based protein is not enough for me. I would not do well in the biodome.
I mostly count on eggs more that vegetables for satisfaction. Agree a full vegetable diet dont work for me too, still there is white meat aka chicken and fish, I consume that four days at week. Its only all about this "evil" red meat (pork, cow) that make me feel bad.
@KevonLooney @banana_meccanica Did you incorporate legumes into your diet? Also whole grains (not refined flours and grains like AP flour and white rice)? A lack of fiber was potentially the issue (I've been WFPB - whole foods plant based - for a few years at this point and never have any trouble feeling full).
It's not about feeling full. It's literally feeling weak. Chili made with multiple legumes and some oil and avocado for fat will have the same macronutrients as chili with beef, but will leave me feeling weak and tired.