This study investigates the influence of red meat and fibers on glucose metabolism and body fat composition in subjects at increased risk for type 2 diabetes.

The epidemiologic evidence for increased red meat intake and decreased fiber intake as risk factors for T2D is solid. However, few intervention studies have been performed in order to investigate the role of whole-grain intake or the consumption of red meat in glycemic control and prevention of diabetes, yielding contradicting results. Thus, in order to prove causality, further identify potential underlying mechanisms and be able to improve lifestyle modification programs, we performed a randomized, controlled intervention study over six months. The participants are individuals at increased risk for tyoe 2 diabetes. They were randomised to 3 interventions groups: 1) caloric restriction of 400 kcal/day (control group), 2) caloric restriction plus no red meat consumption 3) caloric restriction and increase in fiber intake. Subjects where thoroughly phenotyped by anthropometric parameters, oral glucose tolerance tests, and MRI measurements of body fat composition and iron content in the liver. In this study, we want to compare the effectiveness of reduced caloric intake only versus reduced caloric intake with an additional modification of diet composition in terms of red meat and fiber consumption.

Inclusion Criteria:

Individuals at a high risk for Type 2 diabetes:

• positive family history of type 2 diabetes,
• presence of metabolic syndrome,
• body mass index (BMI) > 27 kg/m2,
• diagnosis of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT)
• previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes diabetes

Exclusion Criteria:

Main exclusion criteria

• diagnosis of type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus
• BMI >45 kg/m²
• presence of serious illness such as cardiovascular, malignant or psychiatric disease.

Not allowed by ethics committee