Processed Meats Linked to Type 2 Diabetes

Overconsumption of hot dogs, bacon and sausage increases the risk of type 2 diabetes by 12 to 32 percent, according to a Harvard University study of more than 200,000 people who were evaluated every 4 years since 1986. The risk of diabetes was greatest in people who consumed the greatest amounts of processed red meat. You are not doomed if you like these foods. Among people who ate one serving of processed meat per day (100 grams), consuming one serving of whole grains per day reduced the risk of diabetes by 23 percent; eating one serving of nuts reduced the risk by 21 percent; and eating one serving of low–fat dairy foods reduced the risk by 17 percent. You can eat less healthy foods if you balance them with healthy foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables and nuts. (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, published online)