Eating Habits’ Impact on Diabetes Varies Across the Globe

A new study challenges long-held assumptions about healthy eating, revealing that the impact of dietary choices on diabetes risk isn’t uniform worldwide. Researchers found that the benefits of eating more vegetables and less red meat are nuanced, depending on where you live and other lifestyle factors.

Global Diabetes Trends

Researchers at Xiamen University in China scrutinized data from 175 countries between 2010 and 2021. They analyzed fruit, vegetable, and red meat consumption, comparing it to each region’s diabetes rates. Their findings suggest that simple dietary guidelines may not apply universally.

Diabetes Burden Rising Worldwide

Diabetes now affects more than half a billion people globally. The age-standardized incidence rates, which consider aging populations, climbed by 20.8% from 2010 to 2021. Both age-standardized mortality rates and disability-adjusted life years also increased, reflecting the global health challenge.

Global diabetes rates are soaring! A new study reveals that how diet affects diabetes risk isn’t the same everywhere. 🤔https://t.co/j2bX9fJgqR #diabetes #diet #health

— World Today News (@WorldTodayNews) December 12, 2024

Vegetables: Not Always a Panacea

The research found that while increased vegetable and fruit consumption occurred globally, and red meat intake declined, the impact varied. Vegetable intake below 80 kilocalories per person daily was linked to lower diabetes death and disability rates. The benefits reversed when intake rose above this level.

“Eating large amounts of vegetables may crowd out other essential nutrients, like proteins and fats,” the researchers stated.

—Manqiong Yuan, Researcher

The study also revealed that the U.S. is projected to see a 54% increase in the number of adults diagnosed with diabetes between 2017 and 2030, according to the CDC (CDC, 2018).

Fruits: A Nuanced Relationship

Fruit consumption demonstrated a U-shaped curve concerning death and disability from diabetes. Moderate fruit intake, between 40 to 100 kcal per day, was best for lessening diabetes-related disability. Both too little and too much fruit raised the risks.

Asia-Pacific and Western Europe showed the best outcomes, likely due to balanced diets and healthier lifestyles. The benefits of fruit stem from polyphenols and fiber, which help control blood sugar and lower inflammation. Excess fructose, especially from fruit juice, may impair insulin sensitivity.

Red Meat: A Surprising Twist

Higher red meat consumption was linked to a lower diabetes risk, but only up to a point. The lowest death and disability rates occurred around 200 kcal of red meat per person daily. Beyond that, the risks began to increase again. This challenges the idea that red meat is always harmful.

Lean red meat provides vital nutrients such as iron and protein, which support metabolic health. However, high consumption, particularly of fatty or processed red meats, heightens the risk of obesity and insulin resistance.

The study emphasized the need for tailored dietary recommendations. Public health strategies must consider local eating habits, health systems, and cooking methods, since there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.