A new study from Harvard University indicates that individuals who consume more than two servings of red meat per week (approximately 140 grams) have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who consume less.
The research, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in mid-October, reveals that individuals who eat the most red meat, around 2.5 servings a day, face a 62% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who eat the least.
The more servings of red meat people consume, the higher their likelihood of developing diabetes.
Experts from Harvard examined the health records and dietary habits of approximately 200,000 individuals. They were surveyed every 2 to 4 years about their consumption over 36 years. During this period, more than 22,000 participants developed type 2 diabetes.
After adjusting for other factors, including physical activity and alcohol intake, researchers found that the more servings of red meat consumed, the greater the likelihood of developing diabetes. Specifically, each serving of processed red meat (such as sausages, ham, and bacon) was associated with a 46% higher risk of diabetes, while unprocessed red meat was linked to a 24% increased risk. Those consuming more than two servings per day (equivalent to 140 grams or more) had a 62% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who consumed the least.
According to experts, this study does not assert that red meat consumption is a direct cause of diabetes; it demonstrates a correlation between the amount of meat consumed and the risk of the disease.
Nonetheless, researcher Xiao Gu recommends that individuals limit their red meat consumption to just 70 grams per week and replace animal protein with plant-based sources such as beans and nuts, while also adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Currently, over 5 million people in Vietnam are living with diabetes (type 1 and type 2), accounting for 5.7% of the population, with 50% of them undiagnosed. Type 2 diabetes often develops silently and shows no symptoms for many years before diagnosis. Many people remain unaware of their diabetes as symptoms only manifest as weight loss despite increased appetite, excessive thirst, and frequent urination when blood sugar levels rise too high.
Patients who discover their condition late, with significantly elevated blood sugar levels, may experience complications such as hyperosmolar coma, diabetic ketoacidosis (increased acidity in the blood), infections, and heightened risk of stroke and myocardial infarction. Prolonged high blood sugar levels before diagnosis and treatment can lead to complications affecting various organs, including blood vessels, nerves, kidneys, and eyes.
The United Nations also forecasts that the number of people with diabetes will double, rising from 529 million currently to 1.3 billion by 2050. By then, one in seven to one in eight people will live with diabetes, posing a significant threat to healthcare systems.
