A vegetarian diet has long been touted as the diet-of-choice in the quest against diabetes. In fact, there are numerous articles on that very topic here at Diabetics Weekly!
Want to read some? Check out these articles here, here, and here. (We even have some killer recipes for you, too!)
So, it’s no surprise that meat is generally discouraged among diabetics. And yes, that includes bacon.
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Meat Consumption May Lead to Diabetes
In a recent massive study, researchers found that meat is indeed bad for our health (surprise!).
The key to this study, however, is that they are saying that it may lead directly to diabetes.
The study came out of China, tracking over 45,000 people between the ages of 45 and 74. Beginning in 1999, and continuing through to 2010, the researchers collected data via questionnaires. The questionnaires examined dietary habits and food consumption.
By the end of the study, over 5,000 participants had diabetes. This number puts the rate just above 10% of the participants developing diabetes. After further examination of the data, the researchers concluded that meat consumption was indeed a huge indicator of whether or not a person would develop diabetes.
So, how much meat leads to diabetes?
Apparently, just one palm-sized serving of red meat each day increases your risk of diabetes by about 23 percent.
Haem Iron May Be The Cause
Meat often is high in cholesterol, protein, and dietary fat, all of which can tax the body during the digestion process. More specifically, however, is the haem iron that may cause the biggest problems.
Although the body can absorb this type of iron quickly, excessive amounts can damage tissues. This is particularly true for the pancreas, which produces insulin.
And as we know, insulin production is a key role in metabolizing glucose. When insulin production goes down, the risk for diabetes goes up.
While many people would greatly benefit from a vegetarian diet, which is not damaging to 
the body at all, few are actually willing to do so.
Instead of just writing the diet off, however, try incorporating into your regular diet. Opt for vegetarian days, such as Meatless Mondays, instead. Incorporate more vegetables into your diet and limit your daily meat intake. Alternate meat days with veggie days to reduce the damaging effects of meat on the body.
Every little bit counts!
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Reader’s Digest. URL Link. Retrieved September 10, 2017.
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