A new study conducted by Tulane University and published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings has revealed a concerning association between frequent salt consumption and an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
The study involved surveying over 400,000 adults registered in the UK Biobank about their salt intake. Over a median follow-up period of 11.8 years, more than 13,000 cases of Type 2 diabetes were reported among the participants. The findings indicated that individuals who frequently added salt to their food had a progressively higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes compared to those who rarely or never used salt. Specifically, participants who sometimes, usually, or always added salt had a respective 13%, 20%, and 39% higher risk of developing the disease.
Lead author Dr. Lu Qi, HCA Regents Distinguished Chair and professor at the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, emphasised the significance of the study’s findings. He stated, “We already know that limiting salt can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension, but this study shows for the first time that taking the saltshaker off the table can help prevent Type 2 diabetes as well.”
Although further research is required to establish the exact reasons behind the link between high salt intake and increased Type 2 diabetes risk, Dr. Qi theorised that salt may encourage individuals to consume larger portions of food, thereby increasing the likelihood of developing risk factors like obesity and inflammation. The study also discovered a correlation between frequent salt consumption and higher body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio.
Dr. Qi emphasised the importance of conducting a clinical trial to control participants’ salt intake and observe the resulting effects. However, he also encouraged individuals to proactively search for low-sodium alternatives to season their favourite foods, emphasising that it is never too early to make healthier choices.
“It’s not a difficult change to make, but it could have a tremendous impact on your health,” said Dr. Qi.
