Wisdom Wednesday - Does Red Meat Consumption Cause Diabetes?
Nov 7, 2023
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The podcast discusses a new research paper examining the relationship between red meat consumption and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. They explore the findings of the study, the limitations of relying on observational studies, and the issue of conflicts of interest in nutrition research. The hosts refute the claim that red meat consumption is associated with diabetes and criticize the limitations of studies and food frequency questionnaires. They also explore the dangers of ultra-processed foods on gut microbiome and insulin levels, as well as criticize a flawed study conducted by Harvard's nutrition department.
Higher red meat intake is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Substituting red meat with nuts, legumes, or dairy can significantly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Deep dives
Red meat intake and risk of type 2 diabetes
A new research paper published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examines the relationship between red meat consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes. The study conducted by the Harvard Nutrition Department aimed to assess the impact of total red meat intake, processed red meat intake, and unprocessed red meat intake on the risk of type 2 diabetes. The researchers analyzed data from over 216,000 participants and found a positive association between higher red meat intake and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Comparing the highest quintile to the lowest quintile, the hazard ratios were 1.6 for total red meat, 1.51 for processed meat, and 1.4 for unprocessed red meat. Furthermore, the study suggests that substituting red meat with nuts, legumes, or dairy can significantly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Methodological issues and conflicts of interest
Although the study's findings appear significant, there are numerous methodological issues and conflicts of interest that need to be considered. The study excluded greens and sugar, both of which are known to be associated with type 2 diabetes. The researchers used multiple models for analysis, but the statistical methods used in their headline statistics lacked adjustment for BMI, a crucial factor in diabetes risk. Moreover, the study's lead researcher and other team members have conflicts of interest, including financial ties to organizations that advocate against red meat consumption. These issues call into question the validity and credibility of the research.
Unaddressed factors and plausible mechanisms
The study's plausible mechanisms for the association between red meat and type 2 diabetes are flawed. While the researchers suggest that saturated fat in red meat can reduce beta cell function and insulin sensitivity, red meat is not high in saturated fat. In fact, it mainly consists of water and protein, with a higher proportion of unsaturated fats. Additionally, the study fails to account for confounding factors such as the consumption of accompanying processed foods, which often accompany red meat. Furthermore, the inclusion of sandwiches and lasagna in the definition of red meat further complicates the analysis. Overall, the study's choice of plausible mechanisms and failure to address additional factors weaken its findings.
