White rice consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes: meta-analysis and systematic review.

High consumption of white rice may increase type 2 diabetes risk.

This study investigated the relationship between dietary ingestion of white rice and type 2 diabetes risk. Researchers systematically reviewed 4 studies that examined white rice consumption as a risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus among Western and Asian (Chinese and Japanese) populations.

Researchers observed that high consumers of white rice had greater odds of developing type 2 diabetes than low- and non-consumers of this refined grain. The risk of type 2 diabetes was found to be greatest in subjects with the highest white rice consumption rates. The results of this meta-analysis suggest that regular consumption of diets high in white rice may promote the development of type 2 diabetes.