Study Finds No Metabolic Differences Between Lean Beef and Chicken for Prediabetes

Research challenges long-held advice to choose chicken over beef for those at risk of type 2 diabetes.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A recent study published in Current Developments in Nutrition found that for individuals with prediabetes, consuming approximately six to seven ounces of unprocessed beef daily did not demonstrate any measurable differences in blood sugar control compared to consuming the same amount of chicken. The study, conducted by researchers at Indiana University and the Illinois Institute of Technology, involved 24 adults with prediabetes who followed diets incorporating either beef or chicken for four-week periods.

Why it matters

For years, individuals at risk for type 2 diabetes have been advised to choose chicken over beef, but this research is prompting a reevaluation of that guidance. The findings suggest that unprocessed beef, when consumed in reasonable amounts as part of a balanced diet, may not be detrimental to blood sugar control in the short term, contrary to population studies that have linked red meat consumption to increased diabetes risk.

The details

The study revealed virtually no significant differences between the beef and chicken diets. Participants exhibited similar blood sugar levels, insulin production, cholesterol numbers, and inflammation markers regardless of which protein source they consumed. This included no discernible impact on pancreatic β-cell function, a key indicator of diabetes progression. The meals included common preparations such as burgers, fajitas, burritos, stews, and stir-fries, reflecting typical home-cooked meals rather than processed or fast-food options.

  • The study was published in December 2025.
  • The study involved four-week periods where participants followed diets incorporating either beef or chicken.

The players

Indiana University School of Public Health–Bloomington

The institution where some of the researchers who conducted the study are based.

Illinois Institute of Technology

The institution where some of the researchers who conducted the study are based.

Kevin Maki

The lead researcher of the study, based at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

Mia Kazanjian

A radiologist in Connecticut who commented on the study.

National Cattlemen's Beef Association

The organization that funded the study, though the researchers assert the funding source did not influence data collection or analysis.

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What they’re saying

“If eating beef were to worsen beta-cell function, that would provide evidence to suggest it might be causing increased diabetes risk. We did not find evidence of that in our study.”

— Kevin Maki, Lead Researcher (Fox News Digital)

“Our recommendation is to follow a healthy dietary pattern that emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, seafood, and healthy fats. Animal proteins, including beef, can fit into that pattern.”

— Kevin Maki, Lead Researcher (newsdirectory3.com)

“While unprocessed beef did not worsen risk factors in the short term, long-term data are still needed before making broad recommendations.”

— Mia Kazanjian, Radiologist (newsdirectory3.com)

What’s next

Researchers emphasized that the findings do not extend to processed meats like bacon, sausage, or deli meats, which have been linked to less favorable health outcomes in other studies. They suggest that further long-term research is warranted to fully understand the effects of beef consumption on metabolic health.

The takeaway

This study challenges the long-held advice to automatically substitute chicken for beef, particularly for individuals with prediabetes. It suggests that unprocessed beef can be part of a healthy, balanced diet, and that the focus should be on overall dietary patterns rather than demonizing individual foods.