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High Salt Intake Increases Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

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High salt consumption has been linked with a risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Learn how limiting salt can impact your health.

High Salt Intake Increases Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Highlights:
  • A Tulane University study links routine salt consumption to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes
  • Surveying more than 400,000 individuals, the research found that those adding salt frequently had a higher risk of diabetes
  • High salt intake may influence factors like obesity and inflammation, contributing to diabetes risk
Those at risk of type 2 diabetes may already know to avoid sugar, but new research suggests they should also avoid salt. A new Tulane University study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings discovered that routinely salting foods was linked to an increased risk of acquiring type 2 diabetes (1 Trusted Source
Dietary Sodium Intake and Risk of Incident Type 2 Diabetes

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Adding Salt Increases Type 2 Diabetes Risk

More than 400,000 persons registered in the UK Biobank were polled about their salt intake. More than 13,000 cases of type 2 diabetes arose among participants over a median of 11.8 years of follow-up. Participants who "sometimes," "usually," or "always" added salt had a 13%, 20%, and 39% increased risk of getting type 2 diabetes than those who "never" or "rarely" added salt.
“We already know that limiting salt can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension, but this study shows for the first time that taking the saltshaker off the table can help prevent type 2 diabetes as well,” said lead author Dr. Lu Qi, HCA Regents Distinguished Chair and professor at the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.

High Salt Consumption Linked to a Greater BMI and Waist-to-Hip Ratio

More research is needed to discover why high salt consumption may be associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Qi, on the other hand, feels that salt encourages people to eat larger portions, raising the danger of acquiring risk factors like obesity and inflammation. The study discovered a link between regular salt consumption and a greater BMI and waist-to-hip ratio.

The next step, according to Qi, is to perform a clinical trial in which participants' salt intake is controlled and the results are monitored. Nonetheless, Qi believes it is never too early to begin looking for low-sodium ways to season your favorite dishes. “It’s not a difficult change to make, but it could have a tremendous impact on your health,” Qi said.

Reference:
  1. Dietary Sodium Intake and Risk of Incident Type 2 Diabetes - (https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(23)00118-0/fulltext)

Source-Medindia


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