Which study indicated an increased risk of type 2 diabetes associated with meat and processed meat consumption?

The Nurses' Health Study is notable for its large-scale, long-term research involving thousands of female nurses, allowing for comprehensive data on diet and health outcomes. This study provided substantial evidence linking the consumption of red and processed meats with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Specifically, researchers observed that more frequent consumption of these meats was associated with higher incidence rates of the disease, highlighting how dietary choices can significantly impact metabolic health.

The findings from the Nurses' Health Study have profound implications for public health guidelines, emphasizing the importance of reducing red and processed meat intake as a preventive measure against type 2 diabetes. This evidence aligns with broader recommendations advocating for plant-based diets rich in whole foods, which are associated with lower risks of chronic diseases. Other studies mentioned, while valuable, may not have focused primarily on the specific link between meat consumption and diabetes risk to the same extent as the Nurses' Health Study.