11th August 2011
American study on diabetes shouldn’t alarm Kiwis
The conclusions of a new scientific study published today in the US shouldn’t alarm Kiwis. The study suggests processed
meat may increase risk of diabetes; processed meat being defined as including bacon, salami and hot dogs. But look
closely at the study’s details and the findings reveal little of relevance to New Zealanders.
Researchers used data from three large studies in the US, involving over 200,000 American health professionals. With
different eating patterns in every country, findings from dietary studies do not translate easily. Kiwis eat far less
processed meat than Americans. This study based its conclusions on those eating at least 45g/day; New Zealanders are
eating just 23g/day on average.
Also, as with many studies of this sort, it does not show eating processed meat causes diabetes, however much is eaten.
Processed meat continues to provide protein, iron and zinc as part of a healthy balanced diet in New Zealand. Overall
eating and other lifestyle habits, promoting the maintenance of a healthy body weight, remain paramount in reducing
disease risk and promoting optimum health.
ENDS