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Inverse association reported between type 2 diabetes and high intake of certain foods
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New study findings suggested that multiple food groups may collectively influence the risk for type 2 diabetes.
Researchers from the NIH and various academic institutions characterized the dietary patterns of 5,011 participants enrolled in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, a population-based study of white, black, Hispanic and Chinese adults aged 45 to 84 years (n=6,814).
The researchers considered four empirically derived dietary patterns: high intake of fats and processed meats; vegetables and fish; beans, tomatoes and refined grains; and whole grains and fruit. Participants were considered low- or high-risk for diabetes based on the sum intake of whole grains, nuts/seeds, vegetables, low-fat dairy, high-fat dairy, red meat, processed meat, white potatoes and soda.
Participants who ate a diet high in tomatoes, beans, refined grains, high-fat dairy and red meat had an 18% greater risk for type 2 diabetes (HR=1.18; Ptrend=.004) compared with a 15% lower risk among participants who ate more whole grains, fruits, nuts/seeds, low-fat dairy and green leafy vegetables (HR=0.85; Ptrend=.005).
When examined alone, individual food groups were not associated with diabetes risk, according to the researchers.
“These findings underscore the importance of the collective influence of multiple food groups in the development of type 2 diabetes,” they wrote.
Diabetes Care. 2008;31:1777-1782.