The "Western" diet -- one especially high in red and processed meats and refined grain -- once again appears to be a culprit in women's health -- this time linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in women, according to a study released today in the November issue of Archives of Internal Medicine.
Type 2 diabetes, which is increasing rapidly in the United States, is the most common form of diabetes in adults and usually manifests itself in adulthood.
The report's lead author, Nutrition Professor Teresa Fung of the Simmons College School for Health Studies in Boston, noted that the "Western" eating pattern high in red and processed meats, also has been linked in recent past studies to an increased risk of stroke, colon cancer, and heart disease.
With this new analysis she says, "now we can add diabetes to the list. I think this is another reason to shift away from that type of diet."
The study notes that the United States is experiencing an "alarming increase in the incidence of type 2 diabetes" and that "the resulting morbidity, economic costs, reduced quality of life, and risk for complications make preventive strategies indispensable."
The new study found that the "Western diet" high in red and processed meats and refined grains, as opposed to a diet low in those foodstuffs, is associated with an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes in women.
"Therefore," the study concluded, "it may be prudent to reduce consumption of these foods items to decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes."