Diabetes is a chronic disease that, if not adequately managed, can lead to serious health issues. Researchers are still trying to figure out what makes people more likely to get type 2 diabetes.
The relationship between nitrate and nitrite consumption and the incidence of type 2 diabetes was examined in a recent study that was published in PLOS Medicine. They discovered that higher nitrite intake was linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, but nitrate consumption was not linked to such a risk.
The Risks of Nitrates and Nitrites
Natural sources of nitrates and nitrites include some foods. They may also be present in the water and soil. In order to prevent food from rotting, food processors and manufacturers occasionally add nitrates and nitrites to meals. They may be included in processed meats like salami or ham, for instance.
The exact extent of the dangers posed by nitrate and nitrite ingestion are unknown. For instance, increased nitrite intakes may make some people more susceptible to developing certain cancers. However, scientists are still trying to figure out how other diseases and ailments are related to nitrates and nitrites. Could nitrates or nitrites, for instance, increase the chance of developing chronic illnesses like diabetes?
- Food and water both contain nitrates and nitrites. To extend the shelf life of certain goods, such as processed meats, they are occasionally added.
- The hazards and advantages of consuming nitrates and nitrites are still being investigated by researchers.
- According to a recent study, type 2 diabetes risk may be increased by nitrite exposure from food and water sources. (also Read – Type 2 diabetes: Consuming High Levels Of Nitrites May Increase Risk)
Diabetes risk and nitrates
In this particular study, researchers examined the relationship between type 2 diabetes risk and exposure to nitrates and nitrites. In their analysis, they used over 100,000 adults. Nearly 80% of this group were women. To examine participants’ exposure to nitrates and nitrites, they used 24-dietary recalls.
Also Read (Diabetes Diet: Expert Suggests Healthy Snacks Alternatives To Manage Blood Sugar Level)
They conducted routine follow-ups while keeping track of the individuals for an average of 7.3 years. During the trial, 969 cases of type two diabetes were recorded. They gathered information on a variety of nitrate and nitrite exposures:
Total nitrates and nitrites nitrates and nitrites derived from food and water nitrates and nitrites derived from additives.
According to the study, consuming nitrites may increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers did not discover any link between nitrates and a higher risk of disease, though. They discovered that total nitrites as well as nitrite sources in food and water may raise the risk of type 2 diabetes. Similarly, they found that sodium nitrite additions, in particular, may raise the incidence of type 2 diabetes.
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