The study, which examined dietary intakes in 184 countries, found that excessive consumption of certain foods, including rice, refined wheat, processed meat, red meat and fruit juices, contributed to 7 out of 10 type 2 diabetes diagnosed in 2018.
Type 2 diabetes usually affects middle-aged and older adults and can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, vision problems, and kidney disease.
According to statistics, more than 37 million people in the United States suffer from diabetes, and 90-95% of these individuals have type 2 diabetes.
In addition, it is reported that the incidence of diabetes among young adults is expected to increase dramatically in the next 30 to 40 years.
However, type 2 diabetes can be prevented. According to research, for example, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising properly, and eating a healthy diet can reduce the risk of developing the disease.
It was published in the journal Nature Medicine in mid-April
However, according to new research, diet may be the most important part of preventing diabetes.
To investigate the role that certain dietary factors may play in the global incidence of diabetes, researchers from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University developed a research model of the dietary intakes of 184 countries based on data retrieved from the World Dietary Database between 1990 and 2018.
Also included are demographics, global diabetes prevalence data, and information from studies on how food choices affect people with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
After analyzing the data, the team found that in 2018, more than 14.1 million new cases of type 2 diabetes worldwide were attributed to poor diet.
Among the reasons for the diagnosis were consumption of too much rice, refined wheat, processed meat, unprocessed red meat, potatoes and fruit juice, as well as too little consumption of whole grains, yogurt, non-starchy fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds.
However, the study authors note that excessive intake of refined rice and wheat and insufficient intake of whole grains may be the two most important dietary factors for type 2 diabetes worldwide.
The scientists also found the most significant link between type 2 diabetes and diet in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia, specifically Poland and Russia, as well as Latin America and the Caribbean.
In contrast, Nigeria, India and Ethiopia have the lowest number of cases of type 2 diabetes linked to unhealthy diets.
When the research team analyzed the data by gender, age, education, and rural or urban population, they found this
The association between poor diet and diabetes was most pronounced in men and middle-aged adults. In addition, rates of diet-related diabetes were higher among those living in urban areas than in rural areas.
The research team also found that the burden of diet-related diabetes was higher among those with higher education. However, in high-income countries, Central and Eastern Europe, and Central Asia, intermediate or lower education was associated with a higher burden of diet-related diabetes.
Overall, between 1990 and 2018, diagnoses of type 2 diabetes increased in all countries.
In a press release, the lead author, Dariush Mozaffarian According to Jane Meyer, Professor of Nutrition at the Friedman School, “Our study indicates that poor carbohydrate quality is a major factor in diet-related type 2 diabetes worldwide, with significant variability across countries and over time.”
“These new findings reveal important areas for national and global focus on improving nutrition and reducing the devastating burden of diabetes,” he adds.
According to the study authors, these findings also underscore the need for multisector approaches to improve the quality of nutrition throughout life – particularly during childhood and adolescence, when dietary habits are formed.
