A controlled trial examines how different protein choices influence metabolic health, offering new insight into diet and disease risk.
More than 135 million adults in the United States are living with or at risk for type 2 diabetes , highlighting the growing need for clear, science-based dietary guidance to support better health and lower the risk of complications.
A new randomized controlled trial (RCT) offers insight into one often-debated question: does eating red meat worsen metabolic health in people already at risk?
According to the findings, consuming 6 to 7 ounces (170 to 198 grams) of beef per day did not negatively affect markers linked to T2D or cardiovascular health in adults with prediabetes. The study appears in Current Developments in Nutrition.
Evidence From a Controlled Trial
“Results from this gold standard RCT build on existing scientific evidence that shows eating beef as part of a healthy dietary pattern supports heart health and does not adversely impact measures of blood sugar regulation or inflammation,” said Kevin C Maki, PhD, Adjunct Professor in the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, and senior author of the article. “When beef is consumed as part of a healthy dietary pattern, it helps fill essential nutritional gaps and does not adversely impact the cardiometabolic risk profile compared to poultry.”
The study followed 24 adults (17 males and 7 females; ages 18-74 years) who had overweight or obesity and prediabetes but were otherwise in generally good health. Researchers used a crossover design, meaning each participant completed two separate 28-day diet periods, with a 28-day washout period in between.
