Couldn't find what you looking for?

TRY OUR SEARCH!

Table of Contents

Exploring how your dietary habits could lead to an increased risk of type II diabetes.

According to a recently published medical research report, there is an increased risk factor for type II diabetes among those who consume a diet high in animal fat.  Finnish researcher Monique van Nielen, PdH, of the Division of Nutrition, Wageningen University, and her colleagues performed a study as a part of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-InterAction. 

The goal of InterAction was to study how both lifestyle and genetic factors played a part in causing diabetes in Europe.  The current analysis included 10,901 cases of type II diabetes and the group included 15,352 individuals, including 736 diabetes cases.  The study took place between 1991 and 2007 and involved eight countries.

Previous research studies had examined the potential link associated with consuming meat and the risk of diabetes.  In the current study, researchers used food frequency questionnaires to gain an idea of what the participants were eating.  They categorized the estimated protein intake of each individual on a daily basis.  Then researchers used Cox proportional models and rated the results by country, in order to estimate the association between protein and diabetes occurrences.

Spain had the highest intake of protein at 102.5 grams per day, while Germany and Sweden had the lowest at 80.8 grams per day each.

In order of consumption, the animal protein sources were meat, dairy and fish and plant protein sources were pasta, bread, rice, potatoes and other vegetables. 

Researchers were able to determine that overall; a high total protein intake was associated with a 13% higher change of diabetes for every 10 gram increment.  The data was compiled after adjusting statistical information for gender, energy intake, diabetes risk factors, and lifestyle and dietary habits.

What are the potential mechanisms for a diet high in animal protein that cause an increase in type II diabetes?

Red meat contains iron and is high in saturated fatty acids, which is what medical researchers believe is the link associated with an increased risk of type II diabetes.  Plant proteins are synthesized by the body much differently and are more beneficial to one’s health.  However, more research is needed in order to determine the precise role protein plays in the development of type II diabetes.

Prognosis

Treatment protocols someone requires for diabetes type II will likely need to be adjusted over time.  Insulin resistance will increase with age and the insulin producing cells within the pancreas may wear out as the organ attempts to keep up with the body’s demand for extra insulin requirements.

After the first few years of being diagnosed, the vast majority of individuals with diabetes type II will require more than one type of medicine to keep their blood sugar controlled. 

See Also: Diabetes type 2 - Causes and Prevention

The prognosis for type II diabetes will vary from person to person.  The outcome a person has will depend on how well an individual modifies their lifestyle and dietary habits.  There are many complications from uncontrollable diabetes type II and these include heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, amputation, heart disease, and nerve damage.  You should always schedule a regular yearly check-up with your doctor, follow any treatment protocols assigned and do everything possible to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

Your thoughts on this

User avatar Guest
Captcha