Daily Beef Intake Unlinked to Type 2 Diabetes Risk

Study finds eating beef does not adversely impact measures of blood sugar regulation or inflammation in adults with prediabetes.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:39pm

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A recent randomized controlled trial found that eating 6-7 ounces of beef per day as part of a healthy diet does not impact risk factors for type 2 diabetes, including pancreatic β-cell function and insulin sensitivity, in adults with prediabetes. The study builds on existing evidence that beef can be part of a healthy dietary pattern without adversely affecting cardiometabolic health.

Why it matters

With over 135 million American adults living with or at risk for type 2 diabetes, understanding the impact of dietary choices on metabolic health is crucial. This study provides evidence-based guidance that beef can be included in a healthy diet for those with prediabetes without increasing their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The details

The randomized controlled trial included 24 adults with overweight or obesity and prediabetes. Participants completed two 28-day dietary intervention periods, consuming either beef or poultry as part of their regular diet. The researchers found no statistically significant differences in pancreatic β-cell function or insulin sensitivity between the beef and poultry groups after the 28-day periods.

  • The study was published on January 29, 2026.
  • The dietary intervention periods were each 28 days long, separated by a 28-day washout period.

The players

Kevin C Maki, PhD

Adjunct Professor in the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington and senior author of the study.

Indika Edirisinghe, PhD

Professor of Food Science and Nutrition at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

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What they’re saying

“Results from this gold standard RCT build on existing scientific evidence that shows eating beef as part of a healthy dietary pattern supports heart health and does not adversely impact measures of blood sugar regulation or inflammation.”

— Kevin C Maki, PhD, Adjunct Professor (Current Developments in Nutrition)

“The study findings suggest that regular beef intake does not adversely affect metabolic or inflammatory risk factors compared with poultry in an at-risk prediabetic population.”

— Indika Edirisinghe, PhD, Professor of Food Science and Nutrition (Current Developments in Nutrition)

What’s next

The researchers noted that while the one-month study duration was sufficient to detect measurable metabolic outcomes, longer-term studies are still needed to further evaluate the effects of beef consumption on type 2 diabetes risk factors.

The takeaway

This study adds to the growing body of evidence that beef can be part of a healthy diet, even for those at risk of type 2 diabetes. The findings suggest that beef does not adversely impact measures of blood sugar regulation or inflammation compared to poultry, providing reassurance for those looking to include beef in a balanced diet.