Aims/hypothesis
Diet is thought to play an important role in the aetiology of type 2 diabetes. Previous studies have found positive associations
between meat consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes, but the results have been inconsistent. We conducted a systematic
review and meta-analysis of cohort studies of meat consumption and type 2 diabetes risk.
Methods
We searched several databases for cohort studies on meat consumption and type 2 diabetes risk, up to December 2008. Summary
relative risks were estimated by use of a random-effects model.
Results
We identified 12 cohort studies. The estimated summary RR and 95% confidence interval of type 2 diabetes comparing high vs
low intake was 1.17 (95% CI 0.92–1.48) for total meat, 1.21 (95% CI 1.07–1.38) for red meat and 1.41 (95% CI 1.25–1.60) for
processed meat. There was heterogeneity amongst the studies of total, red and processed meat which, to some degree, was explained
by the study characteristics.
Conclusions/interpretation
These results suggest that meat consumption increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, the possibility that residual
confounding could explain this association cannot be excluded.
Keywords Diabetes - Diet - Food - Meat - Meta-analysis - Systematic review - Type 2 diabetes