A recent study published in the journal Current Developments in Nutrition examines the effects of beef consumption on blood sugar levels and diabetes risk. The research, titled "Effects of Diets Containing Beef Compared with Poultry on Pancreatic β-Cell Function and Other Cardiometabolic Health Indicators in Males and Females with Prediabetes: A Randomized, Crossover Trial," offers new insights into dietary choices for individuals with prediabetes.
According to Dr. Kevin C. Maki, an Adjunct Professor at Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington and the study's senior author, the findings reinforce that including beef in a well-rounded diet can support heart health without negatively affecting blood sugar regulation or inflammation. "When beef is part of a healthy dietary pattern, it helps to meet essential nutritional needs and maintains a favorable cardiometabolic profile compared to poultry," he stated.
Similar Effects of Beef and Poultry
The study involved 24 participants, comprising 17 males and 7 females aged between 18 and 74, all of whom were classified as overweight or obese with prediabetes yet otherwise healthy. Utilizing a crossover design, each participant followed both dietary plans during the research period.
Each participant underwent two distinct 28-day dietary phases, separated by a 28-day washout period. During these phases, participants consumed two meals daily featuring either cooked beef or poultry, with each meal containing approximately 3.0-3.5 ounces of meat served in various dishes like fajitas, burgers, and stir fry.
Assessment of Blood Sugar and Insulin Function
Type 2 diabetes typically progresses as the body becomes increasingly insulin-resistant, leading to a decline in the functionality of pancreatic β-cells that produce insulin. To assess the dietary impact on glucose regulation, researchers measured pancreatic β-cell function, insulin sensitivity, and glucoregulatory hormones before and after each dietary phase.
After the 28-day periods, results showed no significant differences between the beef and poultry diets concerning pancreatic β-cell function or insulin sensitivity. This indicates that unprocessed beef consumption yielded similar outcomes to poultry in this prediabetic cohort.
Dr. Indika Edirisinghe, a Professor of Food Science and Nutrition at the Illinois Institute of Technology, remarked that the findings suggest regular beef intake does not negatively influence metabolic or inflammatory risk factors in at-risk individuals. He noted that while the study duration was relatively short, it was adequate to observe measurable metabolic effects.
Funding and Oversight
The study was funded by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, which did not participate in data collection, analysis, or the publication process, aside from reviewing a draft manuscript.