Hot dogs have made headlines recently for increased cancer risk, now a large new study suggests consuming too many processed meats and red meat overall increases type 2 diabetes risk. But substituting a serving of nuts, whole grains, or low-fat dairy for a serving of red meat daily may lower that risk.
The study by Harvard researchers is one of the largest of its kind, strengthening earlier data on processed meat and increased type 2 diabetes risk. It was published online yesterday in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
The study results on meat also mirror key findings related to colorectal cancer risk, adding to the evidence that many lifestyle habits for cancer prevention also prevent type 2 diabetes.
In the Harvard study, researchers pulled data from approximately 200,000 diabetes-free health professionals who were participants of three different studies. At the study entry and every two years, participants filled out questionnaires about their diet and other lifestyle practices. One group was tracked for 20 years; a second group for 28 years; and the third for 14 years.
