Western Diet Raises Diabetes Risk for Women
Reported November 15, 2004
(Ivanhoe Newswire) –New research shows the Western diet, higher in processed meats than others, increases the risk of type 2 diabetes in women.
In a 14-year study, nearly 70,000 women were followed. Researchers compared women who ate a “prudent” diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, poultry, and low-fat dairy products to those who consumed a “Western” diet of red and processed meats, refined grains, sweets and desserts, and high-fat dairy products.
The women surveyed who had a Western diet pattern tended to smoke more and consumed less folate, fiber and protein.
According to the study, obesity is the most important risk factor for type 2 diabetes. However, evidence is emerging that certain foods and dietary factors may be associated with the condition, too.
Government reports suggest nearly every person in the United States knows someone who has diabetes. About half of people who have diabetes do not know they have it and are not under care for the disorder. Each year, about 798,000 people are diagnosed with diabetes.
SOURCE: Archives of Internal Medicine, 2004;164:2235-2240