### How Nitrites in Processed Foods May Affect Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes A recent study has found that nitrites, a common additive in processed foods, may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers examined the eating habits of over 104,000 adults with an average age of 43, none of whom had a history of type 2 diabetes. They tracked these participants for about seven years and found that nearly 1,000 of them developed type 2 diabetes. The study revealed that people who consumed the most nitrites from food additives were 53% more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes compared to those who consumed the least. Processed meats like ham and sausage were identified as the biggest sources of these nitrites, followed by ready-to-eat meals containing processed meats. Together, these foods accounted for 76% of the nitrites from food additives. Interestingly, nitrites naturally found in leafy green vegetables and other whole foods were also linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, but the effect was much smaller. This could be because people who eat more vegetables generally have healthier diets overall, which include nutrients like antioxidants that protect against diabetes. To reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, experts recommend eating a variety of unprocessed and minimally processed foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains. Avoiding processed meats, soft drinks, and ultra-processed foods can also help. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, not smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption are all effective strategies for minimizing the risk of type 2 diabetes. While the study did not prove that nitrites directly cause type 2 diabetes, it adds to a growing body of research suggesting that a diet high in red and processed meats is linked to an increased risk of the disease. A more plant-based diet, on the other hand, appears to lower the risk.