META-ANALYSIS STUDY ON TYPE 2 DIABETES HELPS REINFORCE REASONS TO GO WITH PLANT PROTEIN

Meta-Analysis Study on Type 2 Diabetes Helps Reinforce Reasons To Go With Plant Protein  

A recent article¹ published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal provides additional reasons to consider limiting animal meat consumption. The article profiles a large meta-analysis study led by researchers at the University of Cambridge which reviewed data involving 1.97 million adults and found that greater consumption of meat, particularly processed meat and unprocessed red meat, is a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. 

Highlights of the meta-analysis include: 

• The consumption of 50 grams (approx. 1.8 oz) of processed meat per day was associated with a 15% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the next ten years 

• The consumption of 100 grams (approx. 3.5 oz) of unprocessed red meat per day was associated with a 10% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the next ten years  

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) reports that as of 2021 approximately 10.5% of adults worldwide were living with diabetes, and IDF’s projections show by 2045 that will increase 46% to 1 in 8 adults. IDF also reports that over 90% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes, which in many cases can be prevented through changes in diet and physical activity. 

At Beyond Meat, we are proud to offer plant-based meats, like our new, fourth generation Beyond Burger and Beyond Beef, that are certified by the American Diabetes Association’s Better Choices for Life Program.

¹Li, C et al. Meat consumption and incident type 2 diabetes: a federated meta-analysis of 1.97 million adults with 100,000 incident cases from 31 cohorts in 20 countries. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol.; 20 August 2024.