Long-term animal-protein consumption is associated with an increased prevalence of diabetes among the elderly: The Mediterranean islands (MEDIS) study

• Published in: Diabetes & metabolism 2010-12, Vol.36 (6), p.484-490
• Main Authors: Pounis, G.D, Tyrovolas, S, Antonopoulou, M, Zeimbekis, A, Anastasiou, F, Bountztiouka, V, Metallinos, G, Gotsis, E, Lioliou, E, Polychronopoulos, E, Lionis, C, Panagiotakos, D.B
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Animals; Apports alimentaires; Biological and medical sciences; Body Mass Index; Cross-Sectional Studies; Cyprus - epidemiology; Diabetes mellitus; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - blood; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - epidemiology; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - prevention & control; Diabetes. Impaired glucose tolerance; Diabète sucré; Diet; Dietary habits; Dietary Proteins - adverse effects; Elderly; Endocrine pancreas. Apud cells (diseases); Endocrinology & Metabolism; Endocrinopathies; Epidemiology; Etiopathogenesis. Screening. Investigations. Target tissue resistance; Female; Greece - epidemiology; Humans; Internal Medicine; Male; Meat - adverse effects; Medical sciences; Mediterranean islands; Mediterranean Islands - epidemiology; Prevalence; Protein consumption; Protéines; Protéines animales; Risk Factors; Risk of diabetes; Risque de sucré; Sujets âgés; Surveys and Questionnaires; Épidémiologie
• ISSN: 1262-3636; 1878-1780
• DOI: 10.1016/j.diabet.2010.06.007

Abstract Aim The role of animal-protein consumption on the prevalence of diabetes is not yet fully understood. For this reason, this study investigated the relationship between long-term animal-protein intake and diabetes in elderly individuals with no known cardiovascular disease. Methods During 2005–2007, 1190 men and women, aged 65–100 years, from Cyprus, Mitilini, Samothraki, Cephalonia, Crete, Lemnos, Corfu and Zakynthos were enrolled into the study. Diabetes was defined as fasting blood glucose ≥ 125 mg/dL or the use of antidiabetic medication. All participants were asked about their dietary habits through a semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Assessment of protein and energy intakes was performed using food-composition tables. Results After adjusting for age, gender, obesity, history of hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and dietary habits, a 5% increase in protein intake from meat and meat products was associated with a 34% (OR = 1.338, 95% CI: 1.02–1.76) greater likelihood of diabetes, while a 5% increase in total protein intake was associated with a 29% (OR = 1.288, 95% CI: 1.00–1.69) greater likelihood of diabetes. No significant associations between diabetes and protein intakes from vegetables and cereals were observed. Conclusion Animal-protein consumption was associated with a higher prevalence of diabetes among the elderly, whereas protein intakes, especially from plant sources, within the recommended range appear to confer considerable protection. This suggests that reducing or controlling the burden of diabetes through dietary means in the elderly should include monitoring their daily protein intake.