Link between ultra-processed foods and type 2 diabetes confirmed

A large-scale European study has confirmed a clear link between the degree of food processing and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Conducted among over 311,000 participants across eight countries, the study adds to growing evidence that consuming highly processed foods has harmful effects on health.

Participants who consumed more ultra-processed foods (UPF) faced a significantly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The data shows that every 10% increase in daily UPF consumption was associated with a 17% higher risk of diabetes. Ultra-processed foods include products such as sugary drinks, ready-made meals, and snacks, which often contain little nutritional value but are high in added sugars, salt, and preservatives.

Healthier alternative: minimally processed foods

On the other hand, consuming less processed foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and homemade meals, was found to have a protective effect. A diet consisting of 10% more minimally processed foods reduced the risk of diabetes by 6%. A similar reduction in risk was observed with the consumption of processed foods such as yogurt, bread, and cheese. According to the study, replacing ultra-processed foods with minimally or moderately processed alternatives may be an effective way to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Importance of subcategories within ultra-processed foods

Interestingly, the study also shows that not all ultra-processed foods are equally harmful. Certain categories, such as bread, biscuits, and plant-based alternatives, were actually linked to a lower risk of diabetes. In contrast, products like ready-made meals, processed meats, and sugary drinks significantly increased the risk. This suggests that it’s not enough to avoid ultra-processed foods entirely, but rather, that a distinction should be made between different types of processed products.

The research supports growing calls for policies aimed at reducing the consumption of harmful ultra-processed products and suggests that further refinement of guidelines based on subcategories is necessary.

Read the study