New Study Suggests Salt may Increase the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
A new study conducted by researchers at Tulane University in New Orleans has found a possible link between salt intake and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study, which used data from the UK Biobank study and followed nearly 400,000 adults for 12 years, discovered that around 13,000 participants developed type 2 diabetes during the study period.
The principal investigator of the study stated in a press release that “taking the saltshaker off the table can help prevent type 2 diabetes.” However, experts caution that the study only suggests an association between salt use and the risk of developing the disease, and not a direct cause.
The data used in the study was based on a simple question asking participants if they added salt to their food, excluding salt added during cooking. The results showed that the majority of salt intake in countries like the UK comes from processed foods, with very little added at the table.
The NHS advises limiting daily salt intake to around 6g, but the study did not provide specific guidelines on how much salt reduction is necessary to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, reducing salt intake as part of a healthy diet has been shown to improve blood pressure in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
It is important to note that this research is an observational study, which means it can only suggest an association, not a cause-effect relationship. More research is needed to establish a direct link between salt intake and the development of type 2 diabetes.
In conclusion, while the study suggests a potential association between salt intake and the risk of type 2 diabetes, experts advise focusing on known risk reduction methods such as maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, and consuming a healthy diet.