A new study published in the Lancet (a supposedly prestigious journal) claims red meat is a major contributor to type 2 diabetes, but this latest research is not only misguided—it’s irresponsible. Likely driven by industry agendas, the study overlooks the real culprit: excessive SUGAR and carbohydrate consumption. Here’s why its findings should be questioned.
Carbohydrate Oversight: The study places heavy emphasis on red meat as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes while underplaying the well-established role of excessive carbohydrate and sugar intake in causing insulin resistance and diabetes.
Bias in Analysis: The focus on red meat and processed meats, without giving sufficient weight to the excessive consumption of refined sugars and ultra-processed carbohydrates, suggests potential bias or an agenda to vilify animal products rather than a comprehensive look at diet.
Correlation vs. Causation: As with many epidemiological studies, the results show correlation rather than direct causation. There is no definitive proof that red meat consumption alone leads to diabetes, especially in the absence of controlled variables for carbohydrate intake.
Single-Dietary Assessment: Many participants’ diets were assessed only once, at baseline, without tracking changes over time. This is problematic because diet can vary significantly over the years, which weakens the reliability of the findings.
Processed Meat vs. Unprocessed Meat: The study often combines processed and unprocessed red meat in its conclusions, despite the fact that the health impacts of these two types of meat can be significantly different, particularly in terms of additives and preservatives.
Selective Exclusion: Participants with comorbidities or those who developed diabetes early were excluded from some analyses, which could skew the results by omitting data from individuals most affected by poor dietary habits beyond just red meat consumption.
Conflicting Findings: The study’s conclusions differ from other research that highlights the role of carbohydrate and sugar consumption in diabetes, as well as evidence suggesting that red meat can be an essential part of a healthy diet. This inconsistency points to the need for more nuanced studies rather than broad, sensational claims about red meat.
Think Red Meat Causes Diabetes? Think Again—It’s the Carbs!
September 4, 2024
2 minute read
Longevity Path Founder PK Mills has been at the forefront of health and performance optimization for over two decades. A former university All-Canadian in track & field, two-time Canadian National champion in powerlifting, and a bronze medalist at the World Powerlifting Championships, Coach PK has guided hundreds of individuals along with teams and businesses to optimize their health and enhance their performance.
