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More Evidence Shows Animal Protein Is Linked to Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Animal protein intake is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a new meta-analysis of prospective studies including over 600,000 people.1 Every 20-gram increase in animal protein (less than the weight of one serving of bacon) was associated with a 7% increased risk of type 2 diabetes. For every 20 grams of animal protein that was replaced with plant protein, the risk of developing diabetes fell by 20%. Previous research has shown that processed meat, red meat, and poultry are all associated with increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.2
References
- Fotouhi Ardakani A, Anjom-Shoae J, Sadeghi O, Marathe CS, Feinle-Bisset C, Horowitz M. Association between total, animal, and plant protein intake and type 2 diabetes risk in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Clin Nutr. 2024;43(8):1941-1955. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2024.07.001
- Li C, Bishop TRP, Imamura F, et al. Meat consumption and incident type 2 diabetes: an individual-participant federated meta-analysis of 1·97 million adults with 100 000 incident cases from 31 cohorts in 20 countries. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2024;12(9):619-630. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(24)00179-7
