Modern diets are increasingly refined, and changes in lifestyle — particularly the heavy use of seasonings — may be contributing to the rapid rise in diabetes. Experts point out that table sugar isn’t the only culprit; excessive salt intake may also increase the risk of developing diabetes.
A 2023 study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings tracked 400,000 participants over an average of 11.8 years. During this period, over 13,000 people developed type 2 diabetes. The research found that participants who added salt to their food “sometimes,” “often,” or “always” had a 13%, 20%, and 39% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who rarely or never added salt.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes today. Factors such as genetics, obesity, and poor dietary habits can lead to insulin resistance and reduced insulin secretion, resulting in the classic symptoms of excessive eating, drinking, and urination. In severe cases, it can even cause confusion or coma.
While the study does not prove a direct causal link between salt use and diabetes, the data show a clear trend: the more frequently salt is added, the higher the risk of developing the disease. Further analysis revealed that BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, and CRP (a marker of chronic inflammation) partially mediate this relationship, suggesting that obesity and inflammation may be key factors linking salt intake to diabetes risk.
Dr. Lu Qi, a professor at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, noted that previous research has confirmed excessive salt consumption increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension. However, some physicians point out that moderate use of low-sodium salt can still benefit heart health. Given that many Taiwanese dishes are high in sodium, it’s important to control salt intake to reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
