Eating Processed Meat Every Day Could Up Diabetes Risk

Those steaks and sausages may be wreaking havoc on your body's ability to produce and use insulin properly, a new study suggests.

A new study conducted by Harvard researchers shows that people who eat one 3.5-ounce serving of processed meat -- equivalent to two slices of bacon, or a hot dog -- every day have a 51 percent increased risk of Type 2 diabetes.

And people who eat one 100-gram serving of red, unprocessed meat -- the size of a deck of cards -- a day have a 19 percent increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, according to the study.

Type 2 diabetes affects more than 25 million people in the U.S., and occurs when the body is unable to produce enough or use the hormone insulin, which is necessary in order for the body to use blood sugar for energy. As a result, the blood contains high levels of sugar. The disease is linked with obesity, and can lead to kidney damage, blindness, stroke and heart disease, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Researchers examined the health and diet data of about 37,000 men for 20 years and 80,000 women for 28 years, who were part of large, separate studies. They also combined the data from those studies with data from past studies that included nearly 445,000 people, 28,000 of whom developed Type 2 diabetes.

"The findings are important given the rising epidemic of diabetes and the increasing consumption of red meat," study researcher Dr. Frank B. Hu, M.D., Ph.D., a professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard, told WebMD.

Processed meat might have this effect on diabetes risk because of its high levels of nitrate preservatives, which could in turn increase insulin resistance risk, WebMD reported. Also, red meat usually contains high levels of iron, which is also linked with Type 2 diabetes.

However, Shalene McNeill, a spokeswoman for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, told USA Today that the finding was merely an association -- not a proof of causation.

Red meat consumption has been implicated in disease before. A recent report shows that big meat-eaters have an increased risk of heart disease and cancer. And, past research also shows that it ups the risk of stroke. A 2006 study showed that frequent bacon consumption was linked with bladder cancer.

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Comments

[Shaktiva]

05:49 PM on 08/14/2011

Processed meat?
As in industrial lab-meat 'soon on a plate' near you?

I see a whole new industry accompanying this: the diabetic-pharmaceuticals.

[beauley]

08:18 AM on 08/12/2011

I believe the biggest association with increase in type 2 diabetes has been partially hydrogenated oil added to many foods. A zero cost for this study. Just "common sense".

[Dan Minardi]

04:41 PM on 08/11/2011

Yawn, another observational study with a minimal risk ratio, where a hot dog or a balogna sandwich is "processed meat" rather than a huge helping of bread with a little bit of meat on the side (you're welcome to look at the questionnaire yourself).

[Thankgoodness]

03:11 PM on 08/11/2011

The average doctor in the US spends about 1 hour in medical school on nutrition, is it any wonder that Americans are blatantly ignorant about what meat, especially processed meats do to you body?

In addition with pharma companies having billions of dollars vested in doping people up, and not curing them through diet and exercise.

it's possible to eat meat in moderation, there are several studies that support the idea that eating less meat is helpful to your digestion, liver, colon, and over all health.

[TomMartin]

09:12 PM on 08/11/2011

I agree, future doctors should have a full course on nutrition, at least one semester.

[beauley]

08:26 AM on 08/12/2011

Extremely true statement about doctor knowledge about nutrition. They learn to prescribe drugs. Prevention is key. Stay away from foods containing partially hydrogenated oils.
Hydrogenated Oils: How Bad Are They for Us?
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5979182/hydrogenated_oils_how_bad_are_they.html?cat=5
Ever since food processing manufacturers realized they could extend the use of many vegetable oils by injecting hydrogen into them, the birth of hydrogenation was born.

[teej617]

11:44 AM on 08/11/2011

This is valid only if the rest of their diet is KNOWN not to be a contributor to diabetes.
http://www.quantumbalancing.com/news/sugar_blues.htm

[jpalmettoguy]

12:20 PM on 08/11/2011

yes, I'm sure this is correlational. Most fat people eat processed meat. I work out everyday, have 136 cholesterol, and am thin. I will not get DT2 from eating bacon.

[Bluesky555]

12:26 PM on 08/11/2011

I am very "overweight" and yet my cholesterol is nearly perfect @ 164-168 with a nearly perfect ratio. I also have good blood work across the board - glucose levels, triglycerides, etc. Only issues I have health wise is arthritis (runs rampant in my family among thin and heavy) and hypo-thyroid for which I take medication for the last 25 yrs. Fat does not automatically = Unhealthy; and Thin does not automatically = Healthy.

[beauley]

08:30 AM on 08/12/2011

Hydrogenated Oils: How Bad Are They for Us?
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5979182/hydrogenated_oils_how_bad_are_they.html?cat=5
Ever since food processing manufacturers realized they could extend the use of many vegetable oils by injecting hydrogen into them, the birth of hydrogenation was born.

[painwhisperer]

11:43 AM on 08/11/2011

I wish to see all of you here, at end of your comment, mention your current physical difficulties and what medication you are taking, so readers can put 2 and 2 together.

[klbrz]

01:59 PM on 08/11/2011

You first. :)

[painwhisperer]

08:31 AM on 08/13/2011

I'm on high protein and fat diet started 14 month ago.
little pain here and there.
take Vitamines and supplements daily.
extra Potassium for pain.
good posture and deep breathing are keys for health Chi circulation.

[chasemonster]

10:04 AM on 08/11/2011

3.5 oz serving? ROFLOL
I don't get off the couch for anything less than 16.

[ReadyForMyCloseup]

10:04 AM on 08/11/2011

Food police alert!!

[Kelly Jade]

09:36 AM on 08/11/2011

Or processed foods in general indicate a less than healthy lifestyle...

[StrangelyLiteral]

09:12 AM on 08/11/2011

Sigh. If only more people knew the differences between correlation and causation, and between anecdotal and empirical evidence. This can all be questioned so many ways. It's possible that the majority of people who eat a lot of processed meats (like hot dogs and some lunch meats) also eat a lot of processed grains and starches (hot dogs, hamburgers, and lunch meats usually go in buns). Or maybe there's a certain lifestyle that goes along with the majority of people who eat processed meat everyday that could be contributing to diabetes. When a study comes out that uses this thing called the SCIENTIFIC METHOD that can prove a causal relationship, then I'll take note.

I must note that I'm not advocating for eating hot dogs and bacon at every meal, just trying to throw some perspective into this story.

[tbeth1957]

10:31 AM on 08/11/2011

Thank you for pointing out what is surely obvious to anyone with hypoglycemia or Type II diabetes. Both these conditions can often be completely controlled without medication by eliminating sugars/starches/highly processed grains and emphasizing low-glycemic vegetables/fruits and animal proteins/fats (not to mention the way such a diet lowers cholesterol). I do agree that processed meats, full of nitrites and preservatives, are probably very bad for you, but the study muddies the waters, if not downright misleads those with blood sugar problems, by lumping fresh red meat in with hot dogs (most likely eaten on a white-bread bun with potato chips and a soda).

[Bluesky555]

10:33 AM on 08/11/2011

thank you.

[vindrag]

09:10 AM on 08/11/2011

Eating a high carbohydrate diet leads to diabetes. Our bodies were not meant to process massive amounts of sugar starch. Many processed meats contain sugar. Meat itself has no carbs. As far as I am concerned the so-called obesity crisis in this country is due to our massive intake of sugar. When we suck on sweet drinks from Starbucks, McDonalds, etc., we might as well be eating straight out of a sugar bowl.

[Emm Snn]

09:03 AM on 08/11/2011

Processed foods and food chemicals have "Given" innocent people diabetes and Obesity. The illness is "given" to you. A filmmaker proved this on British Television.

Food Chemicals destroy the bodies ability to make good insulin. It is possible to reverse this with a "Specialized Diabetes" diet
This was reported in The Philadelphia Daily News

See here http://www.phillyburbs.com/your_news/blogs/borderline-diabetes-diet-why-the-right-diet-may-save-your/article_8093bc3c-4a6c-11e0-87dd-0019bb30f31a.html

[beauley]

08:39 AM on 08/12/2011

Check out partially hydrogenated oils correlation.

[Elbrando]

08:32 AM on 08/11/2011

First, most processed meat is dog food. In fact the dog food might actually be healthier for you. Second the human body was designed to eat vegetables. Our teeth and our digestive system was made for a plant based diet. While it can digest meat, it cannot do it efficiently.

I started in 2010 limiting my meat intake. I decided to eat meat twice a week for helping feed other people and saving the environment. What I didn't realize is how much healthier I would feel. My digestive system is SOOOOOOOOOO much better. Since I've had colon polyps before and my father had prostate cancer that is an added bonus.

This year I started not eating meat all together. It has been 110 days of not eating meat. I don't even miss it anymore unless I am very hungry and wanting to eat anything. Considering how my whole family are practically carnivores, if I can do it anyone can. It just takes some commitment and determination.

[johnr49]

09:00 AM on 08/11/2011

Canine teeth were clearly designed for eating meat - vegetarian animals do not possess them; carnivores do.

[pattileigh]

09:22 AM on 08/11/2011

People are omnivores.

[Tristan McNamara]

10:39 AM on 08/11/2011

You're woefully ignorant.

If we are truly meant to consume meat as a primary food source, then why do we lack the traits present in virtually every other carnivorous species? Claws, perspiration through tongue (not pores), lack of sharp front teeth for shredding (and presence of flat molars), we have salivary glands for grain digestion (carnivores do not)? Why is our saliva alkaline, when meat eaters have acidic saliva?

[beauley]

08:44 AM on 08/12/2011

Appreciating the Miraculous Human Body
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2039113/appreciating_the_miraculous_human_body.html?cat=5
Most of us just don't realize that our body is like a fine tuned machine. We fuel it when it's hungry and some of us don't think twice about the quality of the fuel.

[Ross Parlette]

02:46 PM on 09/05/2011

Danger, Will Robinson! Danger, Will Robinson! This is a link to a site which will charge you $20 to d/l a document which promises the moon. Don't fall for it. It's a scam. A low carb diet, which will treat Diabetes Type 2, is not a secret, revealed only for a fee. Atkins, Taubes, and many others will show you how. Look on YouTube for "Tabues Walnut" for a hour and a half presentation which describes what you need. And YouTube is free.

[ShiftControl]

08:29 AM on 08/11/2011

Apparently whoever wrote this 'article' doesn't know that 3.5 oz. and 100 grams are the same thing. Just a lot of noise - trying to create confusion....

[klbrz]

02:02 PM on 08/11/2011

I thought it was pretty sloppy of them not to point that out.

[NorwegianBoatOwner]

08:00 AM on 08/11/2011

Good thing I hunt for meat myself... No "mystery-meat" in the forest :)

[klbrz]

02:03 PM on 08/11/2011

You haven't run across any of those chupacabras, yet? :)

[NorwegianBoatOwner]

03:32 AM on 08/12/2011

Never seen any "goatsuckers" around in my forest ;)
...though there has been an increase in mange and scab amongst the fox population (which is often mistaken for "chupacabra"), which is a heartbreaking sight :(