Hot Dogs and Diabetes Risk

We know that eating lots of hotdogs and bacon isn't heart healthy. Now research from Brigham and Women's Hospital shows these food can also increase risk of diabetes.

In a study of 37,309 women, those who ate bacon at least twice a week had a 17% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who ate it less than once a week. Those who had hotdogs at least twice a week increased their risk by 24%

Researchers aren't sure how eating these meats leads to diabetes, but say it may be nitrates and nitrites, preservatives and additives that can be toxic to pancreatic cells (damage to these cells is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes).

so, how much is too much? The optimal amount is a matter of debate, says study author Yiqing Song, "But avoiding a diet high in processed meats, French fries and sweets may be more important than emphasizing in any individual foods."

Source: Patricia Curtis - RD Food Extra, A focus On Diabetes And Heart Health