A new article at Cambridge University, published last week on August 20th, in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, found an alarming association between meat consumption and diabetes. 

Global meat consumption has increased rapidly in recent decades and exceeds dietary guidelines in many countries. Earlier studies indicated that a higher intake of red meat is associated with an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes, but the results were inconclusive. Many people substitute chicken and poultry as alternatives to processed and red meat, but according to this study, there is also an association between poultry and type 2 diabetes.

This monumental study, spanning 20 countries and encompassing 1.97 million participants, has revealed some alarming findings. The consumption of 50 grams of processed meat a day (equivalent to about 2 slices of ham) is linked to a 15 percent higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes over 10 years. Similarly, the habitual consumption of 100 grams of unprocessed meat per day (a small steak) is associated with a 10% higher risk. Even the consumption of 100 grams of poultry (chicken) per day is not without risk, showing an 8% increase in risk. 

This study provides the most comprehensive evidence to date on the association between poultry consumption and type 2 diabetes, reinforcing the need for a reevaluation of dietary guidelines.