Dietary patterns, meat intake, and the risk of type 2 diabetes in women.

High intake of western diets, especially those rich in processed meats, may increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes in women.

This study investigated the role of diets in the development of type 2 diabetes. Using validated food frequency questionnaires, researchers examined the diets of 69,554 women between the ages of 38-63 years with no previous record of cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The relative risk of type 2 diabetes in each subject was also assessed.

Researchers found a greater type 2 diabetes risk among subjects who strictly adhered to western dietary patterns characterized by high consumption of French fries, refined grains, sweets, desserts, red meat, and processed meats, such as bacon and hot dogs. The findings of this study provide evidence that western diets— particularly those high in processed meats—may promote the development of type 2 diabetes in women.