According to a study, taking the salt off the table may help avoid type 2 diabetes.
Not only sugar should worry those who are already worried about their vulnerability to type 2 diabetes.
According to a study, eating too much salt may also increase your chance of getting type 2 diabetes.
More than 4,00,000 adults enrolled in the UK Biobank participated in a thorough survey by Tulane University, which was published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings. The study focused on the individuals’ salt intake patterns.
What it says
The study found that almost 13,000 occurrences of type 2 diabetes were diagnosed among the participants over an average follow-up time of 11.8 years.
Compared to individuals who “never” or “rarely” used salt, the study found that those who “sometimes,” “usually,” or “always” added salt to their meals had a 13%, 20%, and 39% increased chance of getting type 2 diabetes.
We already know that cutting back on salt can lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension, but this study shows for the first time that taking the saltshaker off the table can also help prevent type 2 diabetes, according to Dr. Lu Qi, the study’s lead author and distinguished chair at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.
Although further research is needed to determine the exact processes relating high salt consumption to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, Dr. Qi speculates that salt may induce patients to consume larger portions, which in turn raises the likelihood of acquiring risk factors such as inflammation and obesity.
The study found a relationship between larger waist-to-hip ratio and body mass index (BMI) and frequent salt use.
Take away
Dr. Qi emphasised the significance of carrying out clinical trials to regulate participant salt intake and evaluate its impacts.
While waiting, he advises people to actively look for low-sodium seasoning substitutes for their favourite foods.
The researchers stressed that this is a small adjustment that may make a big difference in one’s general health.
