Study: Red and processed meat consumption associated with higher type 2 diabetes risk A published study offers new findings suggest an 8-15% increased risk connected to processed red meat, unprocessed red meat and poultry10 February 2025 10 February 2025 4 minute read 4 minute read By: By: University of Cambridge EuropeMeat consumption, particularly consumption of processed meat and unprocessed red meat, is associated with a higher type 2 diabetes risk, an analysis of data from almost two million participants has found. Global meat production has increased rapidly in recent decades and meat consumption exceeds dietary guidelines in many countries. Earlier research indicated that higher intakes of processed meat and unprocessed red meat are associated with an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes, but the results have been variable and not conclusive. The consumption of 100 grams of unprocessed red meat a day - equivalent to a small steak - was associated with a 10% higher risk of type 2 diabetes. It supports recommendations to limit the consumption of processed meat and unprocessed red meat to reduce type 2 diabetes cases in the population.