Increased consumption of red and processed meat may significantly increase the risk of diabetic nephropathy, a leading cause of kidney failure, in women with diabetes.
A new study involving experts from Monash University has examined possible links between red, processed and white meat consumption and the risk of developing kidney damage and diabetic nephropathy in women. The results can be read in the specialist journal “Scientific Reports”.
How dangerous is diabetic nephropathy?
Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most common and serious complications of diabetes mellitus. According to the team, the presence of diabetic nephropathy is associated not only with increased morbidity but also with increased mortality.
To find out how eating certain types of meat affects the health of women with diabetes, the researchers recruited a total of 105 women with diabetic nephropathy and a control group with another 105 women between the ages of 30 and 65.
The researchers determined how much red, processed and white meat the participants consumed, recorded biochemical variables and carried out anthropometric measurements using predefined protocols. They then calculated possible links between meat consumption and diabetic nephropathy.
Increased risk of microalbuminuria
The researchers found a direct and significant connection between high consumption of red meat and processed meat and the risk of microalbuminuria, i.e. a slightly increased excretion of albumin in the urine.
Additionally, consumption was also associated with an increased risk of severe albuminuria and higher BUN levels. This laboratory value provides information about the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood.
The data also shows that increased consumption of red meat and processed meat significantly increases the risk of diabetic nephropathy, according to the experts.
Diabetic nephropathy due to obesity
But it's not just the consumption of red and processed meat that increases the risk of developing diabetic nephropathy in women. Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism showed that increased body mass index (BMI) also increases the risk of developing diabetic nephropathy.
Obesity can promote the progression of diabetic nephropathy and women with a high BMI were particularly at risk, the experts involved report. Fortunately, according to the researchers, losing weight can slow the progression of kidney disease.
Risk can be significantly reduced
In summary, increased consumption of red meat and also processed meat is associated with microalbuminuria, severe albuminuria and at the same time with an increased risk of diabetic nephropathy. In addition, care should be taken to maintain a healthy body weight, as an increased BMI can also increase the risk of diabetic nephropathy. (as)
