Does Red Meat Cause Diabetes?
Overeating protein, specifically red meat, can increase your chances of not only getting diabetes, but cardiovascular disease, stroke, and heart attacks. Summer is here! This means that grills will be dusted off and fired up to cook certain food items, such hamburgers, steaks, hot dogs, etc. Although summer gives us the opportunity to do more activities, it is still important to be mindful about what we eat. Food is one of the major pillars that contribute to fluctuation of blood sugar levels. Increased consumption of red meat has been shown to increase insulin resistance, which means there will be a need to increase insulin usage to compensate for the insulin resistance. While protein is very important to help to stabilize blood sugar levels, it is still important to eat it in moderation.
What can you do?
A good start can be to reduce the amount of red meat you eat per week. Once a week, pick one meal to choose something other than red meats.
A few alternatives to red meat that Harvard has recommended are below:
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Fish
- Beans and legumes
- Tofu
Plant-based proteins are another option and have become more popular. A 2015 study has shown that using plant-based proteins can be better for glycemic control. However, be cautious around certain plant-based proteins, such as meatless burgers, which are highly processed or high in saturated fats.
Conclusion
Should you cut out red meat completely? Definitely not. There are other options available for better glycemic control that we would be happy to discuss with you. At Grunberger Diabetes Institute, we are here to assist to help provide you with resources so you can make the decision for your health. If you would like to know exactly how much is a moderate amount please talk to your doctor or contact us to schedule an appointment with Ellen Darnall, GDI’s diabetes educator.
About Grunberger Diabetes Institute
Schedule with us today to find out why we’re voted the best Endocrinology practice. Grunberger Diabetes Institute (GDI) provides Diabetes and Endocrine management, as well as a weight management program. Your wellbeing is assessed on an individual level and the treatment includes a plan for the improvement of your overall health and quality of life. We specialize in all things related to diabetes, endocrine, and weight management. This includes but isn’t limited to: diabetic neuropathy, dyslipidemia, obesity, diabetic recipes, reproductive endocrinology, osteoporosis treatment, male hypogonadism, hypercalcemia, all issues and diseases involving the thyroid gland (including thyroid cancer), patients transitioning from pediatric endocrinology to adult endocrinology, type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
