Salt abuse increases the risk of type 2 diabetes – study
Scientists from Tulane University in the USA found that reducing salt intake can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The study, published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings, is the first to prove a link between the habit of adding salt to food and the risk of type 2 diabetes, writes Healthline.
For almost 12 years, scientists studied the salt intake of more than 400,000 adults registered in the Biobank of Great Britain.
Study participants were not known to have diabetes, chronic kidney disease, cancer, or cardiovascular disease at baseline. They also provided full information about how often the dishes they prepare are salted.
Answers were divided into five categories: “never”, “rarely”, “sometimes”, “usually” or “always”. Ultimately, they found that more than 13,000 participants who regularly consumed salt developed type 2 diabetes.
Read also: What if there is no salt? Why you should not be afraid of a shortage and what to replace it with
| Photo: designer491/Depositphotos |
Compared to participants who “never/rarely” used salt, people who “sometimes,” “usually,” or “always” added salt were 13%, 20%, and 39% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, respectively .
“We already know that limiting salt can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension, but this study shows for the first time that cutting out salt can also help prevent type 2 diabetes.”said the study’s lead author, Dr. Lu Qi, director of Tulane University’s Obesity Research Center.
Scientists say: the connection between the abuse of salt and the occurrence of diabetes is subject to more detailed study, but it can be argued that abundant salt consumption increases the body mass index (BMI).
 |
| Photo: macniak/Depositphotos |
Researchers at Tulane University suggest that salt may encourage people to eat larger portions of food. This, in turn, increases the likelihood of obesity and various inflammations that increase the risk of developing diabetes.
This disease occurs when the body stops regulating blood sugar levels properly. This leads to insulin resistance. Type 2 diabetes usually develops with age. At risk are people who are overweight or obese and consume too much sugary and fatty food.
Healthline points out that the NHS recommends that adults consume no more than 6 grams (about one teaspoon) of salt a day.
It will be recalled that earlier scientists proved that daily consumption of red meat increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Read also: Scientists have found a connection between the heart, brain and loss of consciousness – study
Iryna Batiuk, UP. Life
