Core Viewpoint - A recent large-scale study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology indicates that excessive consumption of meat, particularly processed and red meat, significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, with a recommendation for balanced dietary habits to mitigate this risk [6][9][12]. Group 1: Research Findings - The study analyzed dietary data from nearly 1.97 million adults across 20 countries, revealing that consuming 50 grams of processed meat daily could increase the risk of type 2 diabetes by 15% over ten years [9]. - Unprocessed red meat consumption of 100 grams daily (approximately a small steak) is associated with a 10% increase in diabetes risk [9][12]. - The research highlights a strong correlation between high meat consumption and diabetes risk, although it does not establish a direct causal relationship [7][12]. Group 2: Expert Recommendations - Nutritionists suggest that rather than completely eliminating meat, individuals should control their intake and incorporate more vegetables and whole grains into their diets to lower diabetes risk [7][9]. - The principle of moderation is emphasized, advocating for a balanced diet that allows for enjoyment of meat while prioritizing health [9][12]. Group 3: Biological Mechanisms - The study suggests that saturated fatty acids in red meat may interfere with insulin function, potentially leading to insulin resistance, which is a precursor to diabetes [13]. - Multiple factors, including saturated fats, nitrites, and harmful substances produced during high-temperature cooking, may contribute to the observed increase in diabetes risk [14].

Core Viewpoint - A recent large-scale study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology indicates that excessive consumption of meat, particularly processed and red meat, significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, with a potential risk increase of up to 15% for those maintaining a high meat diet compared to balanced eaters [6][7][9]. Group 1: Study Findings - The study analyzed dietary data from nearly 1.97 million adults across 20 countries, revealing that consuming 50 grams of processed meat daily could increase the risk of type 2 diabetes by 15% over ten years [9]. - Unprocessed red meat consumption of 100 grams daily (approximately a small steak) is associated with a 10% increase in diabetes risk [9]. - The research highlights a significant correlation between processed meat (like bacon and sausages) and diabetes risk, while also noting that red meat is not inherently harmful but can pose health risks when consumed excessively [9][12]. Group 2: Expert Recommendations - Experts suggest that rather than completely eliminating meat, individuals should control their intake and incorporate more vegetables and whole grains into their diets to mitigate diabetes risk [9][12]. - The principle of moderation is emphasized, advocating for a balanced diet that allows for enjoyment of meat while prioritizing health [9][12]. Group 3: Biological Mechanisms - The study confirms a link between processed and red meat consumption and increased diabetes risk, but the underlying biological mechanisms remain unclear [13][14]. - Theories include the impact of saturated fats in red meat on insulin function and the potential role of various harmful substances produced during high-temperature cooking [13][14]. - Experts caution that these theories are still speculative, and further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms at play [14].