In a recent study by Tufts University’s Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, researchers have found that a poor diet is a major contributor to the global rise of type 2 diabetes.
The study, which appeared in the journal Nature Medicine, analyzed dietary trends from 1990 to 2018 across 184 countries.
It reveals that over 14.1 million new cases of type 2 diabetes in 2018—more than 70% of the total—can be traced back to unhealthy eating habits.
This extensive research sheds light on the specific dietary factors that are fueling the surge in diabetes cases worldwide.
Among the eleven dietary components studied, three stand out for their significant impact: a lack of whole grains, too much refined rice and wheat, and excessive consumption of processed meat.
Other factors, like high fruit juice consumption and insufficient intake of non-starchy vegetables, nuts, and seeds, also contribute to the disease but to a lesser extent.
Dariush Mozaffarian, a leading figure in the study, emphasizes the global challenge posed by poor carbohydrate quality in diets.
According to him, these findings pinpoint crucial areas where national and global efforts must be concentrated to enhance nutrition and combat the escalating diabetes crisis.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body’s cells become resistant to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. This condition not only affects the individual’s health but also places a significant burden on families and healthcare systems worldwide.
The study’s findings indicate an increase in diabetes cases across all countries studied from 1990 to 2018, highlighting the urgent need for widespread dietary improvements.
The researchers utilized data from the Global Dietary Database and other sources to develop their model, which also takes into account how food choices affect people with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Their analysis points to a greater prevalence of diet-related diabetes among men than women, younger adults compared to older ones, and urban residents versus those in rural areas.
Regionally, the highest numbers of diet-linked diabetes cases were observed in Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Diets high in red meat, processed meat, potatoes, sugary drinks, and low in whole grains were particularly to blame in these areas.
On the other hand, South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa saw less impact from diet on diabetes cases, though Sub-Saharan Africa experienced the largest growth in diabetes due to poor nutrition between 1990 and 2018.
This study stands out by providing a more detailed picture of the dietary causes of type 2 diabetes than previous research, which estimated that only 40% of global cases were diet-related.
The inclusion of refined grains as a major contributing factor and the use of updated dietary data mark significant advancements in understanding the role of diet in diabetes.
Meghan O’Hearn, the study’s first author, warns that without intervention, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes will continue to escalate, affecting global health, economic productivity, and healthcare systems.
She advocates for the findings to guide nutritional priorities and encourage healthier eating habits to tackle this global epidemic.
The study’s comprehensive analysis not only highlights the critical link between diet and diabetes but also serves as a call to action for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and individuals to prioritize dietary improvements in the fight against diabetes.
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