Highly processed foods may cause Diabetes

A study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine has found that consumption of ultra- processed foods such as canned vegetables, ready to eat meals, artificially sweetened beverages and breakfast cereals may increase the risk of Type 2 Diabetes.

The study was conducted on 1,04,707 people 18 years or older. Their 24-hour dietary intake was recorded using a questionnaire consisting of more than 3,500 food items based on the NOVA classification system. According to NOVA food classification system, eatables are categorised under four groups - unprocessed or minimally processed foods such as vegetables and seeds, processed culinary ingredients such as sugar and edible oils, processed foods such as canned preserved vegetables, canned fish and fruit syrups and ultra- processed foods such as packaged foods and soft drinks.

The results have shown an association between high ultra-processed food consumption and Type 2 Diabetes risk. The risk was found consistently high even after making other lifestyle modifications.