Plant-Based Dietary Patterns versus Meat Consumption and Prevalence of Impaired Glucose Intolerance and Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study in Australian Women

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and diabetes mellitus (DM) among Australian women following plant-based diets (PBD) compared to regular meat eaters. A cross sectional analysis of the mid-aged cohort (1946–1951) of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health was conducted on completers of Survey 7 in 2013 with complete FFQ data available (n = 9102). Dietary patterns were categorized as PBD (vegan, lacto-ovo vegetarian, pesco-vegetarian, semi-vegetarian) and regular meat eaters. Meat eaters were further categorized into high and low consumption and outcomes included self-reported prevalence of IGT and DM. Participants were identified as regular meat eaters (n = 8937) and PBD (n = 175). Prevalence of IGT was lower in PBD (0–1.2%) compared to regular meat eaters (9.1%). Consolidation of PBD to a single group (vegetarians) indicated a lower prevalence of DM in vegetarians compared to regular meat eaters (3.9% vs. 9.1%). Women consuming meat daily/multiple times per day had significantly higher odds of IGT (OR 1.5, 95%CI 1.1 to 2.1, p = 0.02). Individuals consuming processed meat daily/multiple times per day had significantly higher odds of DM compared to those consuming less than daily (Odds ratio (OR) 1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3 to 2.3, p < 0.0001). After adjustment for covariates, statistical significance was lost largely due to the addition of BMI to the model. Prevalence of IGT and DM were lower in women following PBD and higher in high consumers of meat and processed meat. The relationship between meat consumption and IGT/diabetes status appears to be mediated, at least in part, by an increase in body mass index (BMI). Future studies are warranted to investigate the mechanisms and other lifestyle factors underpinning the association between high meat consumption and increased risk of IGT and DM.

Human‐based new approach methodologies to accelerate advances in nutrition research

“…However, beyond essential nutrients, foods contain numerous secondary bioactive compounds that play a role in preventing and potentially treating various chronic diseases. Epidemiological studies have established links between nutrition and the incidence of conditions such as type 2 diabetes (Baleato et al., 2022; Popkin, 2015), cardiovascular diseases (Becerra‐Tomás et al., 2019; Papier et al., 2023), cancer (Bouvard et al., 2015; Key et al., 2020), and neurodegenerative disorders. Despite these associations, understanding the precise components and mechanisms underlying their beneficial or detrimental effects remains incomplete.…”

Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Individuals Following Plant-Based Dietary Patterns Compared to Regular Meat-Eaters

“…In the US, 39% report to be actively incorporating plant-based foods, with approximately 6% of the population reporting to follow a vegan or vegetarian dietary pattern [3]. Reasons for following a PBD are driven by growing research into the potential benefits, such as weight reduction [4,5], reduced risk of diabetes [6], concerns for animal welfare and ethics, environmental sustainability and the overall positive perception by the public [7,8]. The term PBD can be characterised by high intakes of plant foods and low intakes of animal flesh and/or animal-derived products [9].…”

Gut Microbiome–Brain Alliance: A Landscape View into Mental and Gastrointestinal Health and Disorders

“…Prompt changes in microbiota composition take place in response to dietary style changes. Specific patterns have been reported in plant-based versus animal-based diets. , The development and modifications of the gut microbiota are influenced by multiple other factors, such as exposure to stress, environmental conditions, medications intake, lifecycle, medical disorders, and procedures.…”