Title: Study Links Frequent Salt Intake to Type 2 Diabetes, Research Reveals
Author: Marc Lallanilla
Publication Date: Nov. 1, 2023, 3:20 p.m. ET
In a recent study conducted by Tulane University and published in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings, it has been found that frequent use of added salt is linked to an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes. The study surveyed over 400,000 adults in the UK about their salt intake and followed them for approximately 12 years.
The participants were divided into five categories based on their self-reported salt intake – “never,” “rarely,” “sometimes,” “usually,” or “always” adding salt to their meals. Over the course of the study, more than 13,000 cases of Type 2 diabetes were identified among the participants.
According to the study’s findings, individuals who reported sometimes, usually, or always adding salt to their food had a 13%, 20%, and 39% higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, respectively, compared to those who reported never or rarely using salt.
Lead author Dr. Lu Qi, a professor at Tulane’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, stated that while it is already known that limiting salt can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension, this study provides evidence that reducing salt intake can also help prevent Type 2 diabetes. However, the exact mechanism by which salt contributes to the development of diabetes remains unknown. One possibility is that salt might encourage larger food portions, leading to obesity and inflammation, both of which are risk factors for diabetes.
The study also found a correlation between frequent salt consumption and a higher body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio, further highlighting the potential health risks associated with excessive salt intake.
Salt, a commonly used flavoring agent, has a long history dating back to prehistoric times. In ancient Rome, soldiers were even paid in salt, which gave rise to the word “salary.” However, with the advent of salt shakers in the early 1900s, people began adding excessive amounts of salt to their meals, even when the food was already seasoned.
In the United States, approximately 90% of Americans consume more salt than recommended, making them among the world’s largest consumers of salt. This increased salt consumption not only contributes to the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes but also raises the chances of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.
Registered dietitian Alison Brown from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommends following the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) guidelines to reduce salt intake. The DASH diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, beans, nuts, fish, lean meats, and poultry while limiting fats, sugars, and high-sodium foods. The DASH diet is proven to lower blood pressure and was recently ranked as the number one heart-healthy diet by U.S. News & World Report.
Other ways to lower salt intake include using alternative flavorings like herbs, spices, lemon, lime, vinegar, or salt-free seasoning blends instead of salt or sodium-heavy seasonings like soy sauce. Additionally, reducing the consumption of processed foods, canned soups and broths, fatty meats, and sodium-packed condiments can help control salt intake and mitigate the associated health risks.
By being mindful of salt consumption and making small changes in dietary habits, individuals can significantly impact their health and reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and other health conditions associated with excessive sodium intake.