Two slices of ham a day increases risk of diabetes

A simple sandwich filler could increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 15 per cent, a study has found.

- NILIMA MARSHALL

Data from nearly 2 million people – analysed by a team led by the University of Cambridge – also found that consuming 100 grams of unprocessed red meat a day – equivalent to a small steak – was associated with a 10 per cent higher risk of developing the condition.

The NHS advises those eating more than 90g of red meat such as beef, lamb, mutton, pork, veal, venison and goat, or processed meat such as sausages, bacon, ham, salami and corned beef a day to cut down to 70g or less.

Researchers said that the findings, published in the journal The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinolo , back the recommendations to cut down meat intake.

Senior author Professor Nita Forouhi, of the University of Cambridge’s Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit, said: “Our research provides the most comprehensive evidence to date of an association between eating processed meat and unprocessed red meat and a higher future risk of type 2 diabetes.