Health
Meat consumption linked to higher type 2 diabetes risk in observational study
A diet high in meat — particularly processed meat and unprocessed red meat — could increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to new research from the University of Cambridge.
In analyzing data from nearly two million people who participated in 31 studies across 20 countries, the researchers found that eating 50 grams of processed meat per day — equivalent of two slices of ham or bacon, or one small sausage — led to a 15% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the next decade, as a press release from the university noted.
Eating 100 grams of unprocessed red meat per day — roughly a small steak — led to a 10% greater risk.
ADULTS WITH DIABETES REAP HEART-HEALTH BENEFITS FROM BAKED POTATOES, NEW RESEARCH REVEALS
The findings were published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology.
Eating 100 grams of poultry initially was shown to increase type 2 diabetes risk by 8%, but that link became weaker when tested in different scenarios, which suggests that further research is needed.
A diet high in meat — particularly processed meat and unprocessed red meat — could increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to new research from the University of Cambridge. (iStock)
“Our findings provide the largest and most comprehensive evidence to date of the association between meat consumption and a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes,” said lead author Dr Chunxiao Li, of the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge, in an email to Fox News Digital.
POP SINGER LANCE BASS HAS TYPE 1.5 DIABETES, HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE DISEASE
“The link between eating processed meat and red meat and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes is strong and consistent across populations in different world regions and countries.”
In their analysis, the researchers took into account a wide range of factors, such as age, gender, health-related behaviors (such as smoking, alcohol intake and physical activity), energy intake, body weight, waist circumference and family history of diabetes, as well as other foods that are consumed, Li said.
Deli meats or canned meats can easily have 500 to 1500 mg of sodium per serving, according to a registered dietitian nutritionist. (iStock)
This study follows several others that previously suggested this link.
“It was important that we extended the investigation to under-represented populations in countries outside of North America and Europe, which have previously largely dominated research,” said Li.
‘Example of observational research’
Ken D. Berry, M.D., a board-certified family physician who practices medicine in rural Tennessee, disagrees with the premise that meat consumption increases diabetes risk.
“This is an example of observational research,” Berry, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital via email.
“By its very nature, it can never show that one thing causes another thing to happen,” he went on. “All this type of research can do is report a possible association between one thing and another.”
POP SINGER LANCE BASS HAS TYPE 1.5 DIABETES, HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE DISEASE
Sophie Lauver, a Baltimore-based registered dietitian at Aeroflow Diabetes, which helps patients with diabetes obtain the supplies they need, said that people who eat more meat may tend to eat less of other foods known to promote health and reduce disease risk, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes.
“All this type of research can do is report a possible association between one thing and another.”
“Meat is also a source of saturated fat, and diets high in fat are linked with insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes,” Lauver, who also did not participate in the research, told Fox News Digital.
There is also the likelihood that people who eat meat may be eating it in large amounts, according to Lauver.
Some dietitians recommend prioritizing plant-based foods rather than eating a diet heavy on meat and animal products. (iStock)
“With this eating pattern, meat tends to be the center of the plate rather than foods lower in calories, higher in fiber, and rich in natural plant compounds,” she said.
“We’re also learning about the importance of a diverse microbiome in obesity and diabetes prevention, and this is achieved by eating a varied diet rich in plant foods.”
DIABETES PATIENTS USING OZEMPIC, OTHER TREATMENTS INSTEAD OF INSULIN HAVE LOWER CANCER RISK, STUDY FINDS
Tanya Freirich, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Charlotte, North Carolina, who practices as The Lupus Dietitian, warned that processed meat consumption can be inflammatory, and high intake of saturated fats can increase insulin resistance.
“Processed meats can contain a large portion of the recommended daily intake of sodium in one serving,” said Freirich, who is also unaffiliated with the research.
“For example, deli meats or canned meats can easily have 500 to 1500 mg of sodium per serving.”
Potential limitations
The data used to measure how much food people ate were mostly based on a one-time questionnaire, Li noted.
“Previous research shows that measuring food intake just once is less accurate than doing it multiple times, and this tends to weaken the observed connection to health risks,” she told Fox News Digital.
Eating 100 grams of unprocessed red meat per day — roughly a small steak — led to a 10% greater risk of type 2 diabetes, the researchers claim. (iStock)
“Therefore, our findings indicate an association between meat intake and developing type 2 diabetes, but the actual link might be stronger than what we found.”
Berry agreed that the questionnaire format is a large limitation.
“This type of research is based on multiple-choice tests given to study participants called Food Frequency Questionnaires,” he said.
ASK A DOCTOR: ‘WHY DO I KEEP EATING FOODS THAT I KNOW ARE BAD FOR ME?’
“Participants often fill out these questions every few years, as if they would be able to remember what they ate two years ago, or even longer.”
Although the researchers considerably increased the geographical diversity of study locations compared with previous studies, Li noted that data from some regions, such as Africa, is still limited.
The researchers found that eating 50 grams of processed meat per day — which is the equivalent of one hot dog — led to a 15% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the next decade. (iStock)
“This reflects an important knowledge gap and highlights the need for further research in these locations,” she said.
Freirich echoed the fact that the study is observational and looks only at associations — two factors that are increasing or decreasing in the same direction.
“We can not definitively say that one is the cause of the other,” she told Fox News Digital.
The World Health Organization recommends consuming no more than three portions — equivalent to about 12 to 18 ounces of cooked red meat — every week.
“In an observational study, we don’t see the picture of the individual — the researchers are looking at only two factors, like type of protein consumption and type 2 diabetes risk,” Freirich went on.
“We are not understanding or assessing the rest of their diet, like how many vegetables people are consuming, or how much physical activity is happening.”
What’s the recommendation?
“Our research supports the current dietary guidelines that recommend lowering processed meat and unprocessed red meat consumption to reduce disease burdens,” Li said.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously classified processed meat and red meat as carcinogenic to humans, as has the American Institute for Cancer Research (AIRC), which recommends avoiding processed meats.
The World Health Organization previously classified processed meat and red meat as carcinogenic to humans. (iStock)
“For processed meat, the WHO recommends that there is no safe limit, so it is best to avoid or minimize consumption,” Li said.
“For red meat, the WHO recommends consuming no more than three portions, equivalent to about 350 to 500 grams (about 12 to 18 ounces) of cooked weight red meat every week.”
Berry disagrees, recommending that people should continue to eat nutrient-dense, healthy red meat — “as our ancestors have done for over a million years.”
“There is a cohort of nutrition researchers who believe in a plant-based diet and they tout research like this to promote this way of eating,” he said.
“People who are not educated about research findings read only the headline of such articles and they stop eating a very healthy, ancestral food that is packed with nutrition.”
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Lauver, on the other hand, recommends prioritizing plant-based foods rather than eating a diet heavy on meat and animal products.
“Plant foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds,” she told Fox News Digital.
“We are not understanding or assessing the rest of their diet, like how many vegetables people are consuming, or how much physical activity is happening.”
“These whole foods tend to be lower in calories, rich in nutrients, minimally processed and high in fiber, and they foster an environment for a diverse microbiome.”
Freirich recommends that people think about their diet and lifestyle as a whole, including their own medical history.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health
“All medical decisions and choices regarding diet should be individualized and personalized,” she said. “What works for you may not be appropriate for your neighbor.”
People should also speak with their health care provider to get personalized recommendations, experts agreed.
Fox News Digital reached out to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for comment.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
A decades-long effort to develop a vaccine against one of the world’s leading causes of severe digestive illness has reached a milestone, according to new research.
Scientists recently developed a technology targeting enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), a bacterium responsible for millions of diarrheal illnesses each year.
The technology has now been licensed to French vaccine manufacturer Valneva for further development.
MYSTERY PARASITE LEAVES AMERICANS BATTLING ‘EXPLOSIVE’ ILLNESS AS CDC INVESTIGATES
The findings come after decades of research led by scientists at the University of Bergen and the Norwegian Research Center (NORCE).
One of the most common bacterial causes of severe diarrhea worldwide, ETEC is known to disproportionately affect children in low- and middle-income countries. Despite years of research, there is currently no broadly effective vaccine to prevent the infection, according to the study.
Researchers have made a major breakthrough in the decades-long effort to develop a vaccine against ETEC, a leading cause of diarrheal disease worldwide. (iStock)
The researchers focused on a toxin produced by ETEC that has long been considered one of the biggest obstacles to vaccine development.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
James Fleckenstein, MD, a professor of medicine and molecular microbiology at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, said the findings represent a promising step.
“We still have a lot of work to do to translate these findings to an actual vaccine,” Fleckenstein, who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital. “But the approach does look promising in the sense that the proteins elicit strong antibody responses that appear to offer protection against diarrheal illness after the first infection in children in developing countries.”
ETEC is a leading bacterial cause of severe diarrhea worldwide, especially among children in low- and middle-income countries. (iStock)
If the vaccine eventually reaches patients, researchers hope it could help protect children against some of the most severe forms of diarrheal disease caused by ETEC.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
In the meantime, Fleckenstein said travelers can take steps to reduce their risk of diarrheal illnesses. He recommends avoiding high-risk foods — including meals from street vendors in areas where sanitation may be poor — drinking bottled water in higher-risk regions, and practicing good hand hygiene.
While a vaccine is still years away, experts recommend avoiding high-risk foods, drinking bottled water and washing your hands to reduce the risk of ETEC. (iStock)
Fleckenstein also noted that vaccines are available to protect against typhoid fever, and said travelers should consult their physician before traveling internationally.
The research did have some limitations, the researchers noted.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
The technology is still in development and has not yet been tested as an approved vaccine among the public.
While the licensing agreement allows Valneva to continue advancing the research, additional laboratory studies, clinical trials and regulatory review will be required before the vaccine becomes available.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Bryan Johnson, a biohacker and longevity guru who has claimed “we may be the first generation who won’t die,” revealed he has an autoimmune condition causing his stomach to “eat itself.”
The Los Angeles-based tech entrepreneur, 48, has previously shared publicly that he is hoping to live until the year 2140, when he would in theory be 160 years old.
Now, Johnson says he has been diagnosed with autoimmune gastritis (AIG), a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the stomach’s acid-producing parietal cells, reducing stomach acid and impairing vitamin B12 absorption, according to Nature Reviews Disease Primers.
HOW A 93-YEAR-OLD SOCCER REFEREE CREDITS WARTIME RATIONS AND DISCIPLINE FOR HIS LONGEVITY
“My stomach is eating itself,” he wrote in an Instagram post. Johnson also shared that anywhere from 2% to 5% of people likely have this disease.
“I’m going to try to solve it,” Johnson went on. “Will share all.”
Bryan Johnson, a biohacker and longevity guru who has claimed “we may be the first generation who won’t die,” revealed he has an autoimmune condition causing his stomach to “eat itself.” (Getty Images)
The biohacker shared that as a child, he ate sugary cereal, drank sugary soda and “gobbled down fast food.”
“I became a young father of three and began building a business,” Johnson went on. “Juggling that stress and grind, I let my health slip and gained 40 lbs. Within a few years I’d fallen into a deep, chronic depression.”
DOCTORS SAY 8 FORGOTTEN HABITS COULD HELP FIGHT STRESS, OBESITY AND CHRONIC DISEASE
“Somewhere in that timeline, my body began developing an autoimmune process affecting my thyroid and then my stomach lining,” he added.
Fox News Digital reached out to Johnson for comment.
AIG can remain hidden and can be challenging to diagnose, Johnson noted, often surfacing years after damage has already occurred to the stomach. It can cause iron deficiency, B12 deficiency and anemia, and can also increase the risk of stomach cancer, the expert warned.
“Low iron stores get normalized and rarely investigated at all when anemia hasn’t shown up yet,” Johnson wrote. “That blind spot is what hid mine for a decade.”
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
He also shared that for 11 years, he has had low levels of ferritin, a protein that stores iron inside the body’s cells. Ferritin releases iron when the body needs it, supports muscle function and carries out other essential processes.
“We continually tried to raise my iron levels with food and supplementation, but nothing would work,” he said.
The Los Angeles-based tech entrepreneur, 48, has previously shared publicly that he is hoping to live until the year 2140. (Getty Images)
Johnson acknowledged that some common biohacking techniques — including hard training, sauna and hyperbaric oxygen — all raise the body’s demand for iron.
“But none of them explained the core failure: Despite me taking iron orally, trailing every formulation and using every timing trick, none of the iron would stick.”
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Johnson underwent a colonoscopy and upper endoscopy, which examined his entire intestinal tract. Five biopsies were also taken from his stomach, which found “clear signs of early autoimmune gastritis: early atrophy confined to the acid-producing lining.”
In January 2026, the biohacker stated in a post on his website that “by 2039, my goal is immortality.”
“In the age of AI, multiomics, and custom-built DNA, proteins and cells, no condition should be presumed incurable simply because no one has yet tried to cure it with today’s stack,” Johnson said in his post. (Getty Images)
He detailed his strategy for defying aging, which includes embracing a strict regimen to slow or stop biological aging, using AI to accelerate longevity research, testing new treatments in lab-grown cells and organs, and reaching “longevity escape velocity” — in which medical advances would eventually extend lifespan faster than he ages.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
“I may fail at this task, but my team and I will try our best,” he wrote at the time.
There is currently no cure for AIG, which Johnson said he wants to change.
Johnson acknowledged that some common biohacking techniques — including hard training, sauna and hyperbaric oxygen — all raise the body’s demand for iron. (iStock)
“In the age of AI, multiomics, and custom-built DNA, proteins and cells, no condition should be presumed incurable simply because no one has yet tried to cure it with today’s stack.”
Johnson ended his post by urging others to prioritize their health.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“Care for yourself, care for others, care for the planet and care for our animal friends. Care for life, as it’s the most precious gift there is.”
The longevity guru also shared an image showing the detailed findings of his five stomach biopsies.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
At 93, sprightly referee Frank Foster is still brandishing red and yellow cards and running the field three times a week for his local soccer association.
Having taken charge of around 5,500 matches over a 46-year officiating career, the great-grandfather credits his longevity and match-day stamina to a lifetime of healthy habits and a foundational diet, news agency SWNS reported.
Foster puts his remarkable fitness down to the strict wartime rations he was fed as a teenager, noting that it ensured he grew up eating “healthy food” rather than “sweets and cakes.”
FITNESS EXPERT REVEALS 6 PILLARS OF STRENGTH TRAINING THAT OLDER ADULTS SHOULD MASTER
Decades later, his game-day preparation is still fueled by wholesome nutrition, always starting with a morning bowl of oatmeal, cereal or marmalade on toast to give him the energy to last the full 90 minutes.
The meal keeps him active enough to referee men’s, women’s and children’s games, a hobby he jokes he will never blow the final whistle on.
Frank Foster started refereeing in 1980. Today, he still officiates men’s, women’s and children’s games around three times a week. (SWNS)
His sharp mind and authoritative presence on the field are just as strong as his physical endurance.
A military veteran who aced his referee exam in 1980 with a 98% score, Foster relies on old-school discipline to keep matches under control, SWNS reported.
7 COMMON FITNESS MISTAKES OLDER ADULTS MAKE AND HOW TO AVOID THEM FOR BETTER WORKOUTS
He believes modern elite officials are too “soft” and allow player antics to ruin the sport. To maintain order and keep players from acting out, he lays down strict ground rules before kickoff. He has no patience for intimidation or theatrical diving. “Those who go down like they have been shot, well, I would just book them,” he said.
He is equally uncompromising when squads try to crowd him on the field.
Frank Foster is pictured before he became a referee. (Frank Foster/SWNS)
“I wouldn’t let them surround me at all,” Foster told SWNS.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
“I would say to the players, ‘Stay where you are,’ and ‘If you move one more inch, I will give you a yellow card.’ You need to stamp your authority and let them know who is in control.”
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
He also avoids the modern stress of video-reviewing plays, which he believes creates unnecessary “aggression and disappointment” over microscopic offside calls, adding, “I think it spoils the game.”
Foster credits his longevity to wartime rations, adding that he avoided sweets. (SWNS)
“Sometimes it is only the player’s toe that is offside — it is ridiculous.”
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
Foster says he “never thought” he’d still be doing this at age 93, but he makes the most of that gift.
He keeps his kit freshly washed, making sure it is “neat and tidy” for when he gets on that field.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Foster, of South Yorkshire, England, also scrubs his black Adidas boots after every game, making sure they are “nice and clean” for his next match.
-
Wisconsin2 minutes agoWisconsin DOT begins $6.87M I-41 ramp deck overlay upgrades in Brown County Tuesday
-
West Virginia8 minutes ago11 Marshall student athletes suing NCAA over new rule – WV MetroNews
-
Wyoming15 minutes agoElection Q&A: Qwenton Eagle Oviatt for Wyoming secretary of state
-
Crypto18 minutes agoAn Easy-to-Miss Radio Traffic Jam Is Behind Many Home WiFi Slowdowns
-
Finance23 minutes agoFayette County Public Schools Board of Education approves audit contract, new finance director position
-
Fitness30 minutes agoCaroline Idiens and Jenni Falconer’s time-efficient 9-exercise workout builds full-body strength in 30 minutes
-
Movie Reviews38 minutes agoFilm reviews: ‘The Invite’ and ‘Minions & Monsters’
-
World48 minutes agoFeds Detail Hoopster Kerr Kriisa’s Alleged $2.2M Criminal Side Hustle
