Animal Protein Consumption Allegedly Linked to Increased Diabetes Risk

A recent study has reportedly linked the consumption of animal protein to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Ivonne Sluij, et al., “ Dietary Intake of Total, Animal, and Vegetable Protein and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-NL Study,” Diabetes Care, January 2010. Using data from 38,094 participants in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-NL study, researchers apparently examined the association among diabetes incidence and dietary intake of vegetable and animal proteins. The study claims that diabetes risk increased 30 percent for every 5 percent of calories consumed from animal protein at the expense of carbohydrates or fat. According to the authors, “Our findings also suggest a similar association for total protein itself instead of only animal sources… This finding indicates that accounting for protein content in dietary recommendations for diabetes prevention may be useful.” See PCRM Medical News, January 22, 2010.