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Study shows strong link between fast food, Type 2 diabetes

Category: Diabetes

A new study has shown that there is a strong link between regular fast food consumption and the development of Type 2 diabetes. Published in the European Journal of Nutrition, the study showed that eating fast food can increase the risk of diabetes by 70 percent, according to lab tests.

Fast food and diabetes
There has long been a link between unhealthy eating habits and diabetes, but this new study provided more concrete proof of the link. The study compared people who regularly eat fast food and those who have healthier diets including fish, wine and lean meats.

The study analyzed data from more than 20,000 patients who were enrolled in the Dutch chapter of the European Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition, and separated them into groups. The first group was categorized as healthy eaters, consuming heart-healthy foods like raw vegetables, fruit juices and others. The other group was comprised of those who ate snack foods, french fries, soft drinks and other products associated with fast food.

The study also found strong connections between levels of exercise and diabetes among those who consumed fast food. The participants who lived sedentary lifestyles had a risk that was 114 percent higher than those who ate no fast food. Those who ate fast food and did exercise had only a 35 percent increased risk, according to blood testing.

How do people get Type 2 diabetes?
Diabetes is caused when the body becomes resistant to insulin or when the pancreas stops producing enough insulin, noted the Mayo Clinic. While doctors are not sure exactly why this happens, the condition has strong connections to diet and exercise. Insulin controls the level of sugar in the blood, so those showing low levels in blood tests will likely need to change their lifestyles and possibly take medication to supplement their levels.

There are many well-known links between lifestyle and diabetes, often indicating that age, weight and activity level are main factors contributing to the disease. Those who are obese, consume unhealthy foods that are high in fats and sugars and have a family history of the disease may want to consider a lab test online to check for the disease. If untreated, Type 2 diabetes can be life-threatening, though it is manageable with treatment.