Red meat consumption is associated with prediabetes and diabetes in rural Vietnam: a cross-sectional study

Objective: To examine the association between red/processed meat consumption and glycaemic conditions (i.e. prediabetes (preDM) and diabetes mellitus (DM)) among middle-aged residents in rural Khanh Hoa, Vietnam. Design: In this cross-sectional study, a multinomial logistic regression model was used to examine the association between daily consumption of red/processed meat (0-99 g, 100-199 g or >= 200 g) and preDM/DM with adjustments for socio-demographic, lifestyle-related and health-related variables. Setting: Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam Participants: The study used data collected through a baseline survey conducted during a prospective cohort study on CVD among 3000 residents, aged 40-60 years, living in rural communes in Khanh Hoa Province. Results: The multinomial regression model revealed that the relative-risk ratios for DM were 1 center dot 00 (reference), 1 center dot 11 (95 % CI = 0 center dot 75, 1 center dot 62) and 1 center dot 80 (95 % CI = 1 center dot 40, 2 center dot 32) from the lowest to the highest red/processed meat consumption categories (P (trend) = 0 center dot 006). The corresponding values for preDM were 1 center dot 00 (reference), 1 center dot 25 (95 % CI = 1 center dot 01, 1 center dot 54) and 1 center dot 67 (95 % CI = 1 center dot 20, 2 center dot 33) (P (trend) = 0 center dot 004). We did not find any evidence of statistical significance in relation to poultry consumption. Conclusion: Increased red/processed meat consumption, but not poultry consumption, was positively associated with the prevalence of preDM/DM in rural communes in Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam. Dietary recommendations involving a reduction in red/processed meat consumption should be considered in low- and middle-income countries.