As of 2007, approximately 7.8 percent of Americans were suffering from diabetes, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Another 25.9 percent of adults 20 and older had pre-diabetes. Consuming less dietary fat, especially less saturated fat, may help to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which is the most common form of diabetes in adults.
Effects
One theory on the way that consuming too much fat and too much saturated fat increases your risk for type 2 diabetes is that this fat interferes with the action of insulin in the body, according to a 2002 article in "Diabetes Care" by Julie A. Marshall, Ph.D. However, this theory is based on animal studies. Another way in which diets high in fat and saturated fat increase the risk of diabetes is by increasing the risk of obesity, which is a risk factor for diabetes.
Significance
Those who are at higher risk for diabetes, especially those with pre-diabetes, can lower their risk and perhaps avoid type 2 diabetes altogether by changing their diet to include less fat and less saturated fat, especially if this results in the loss of any excess weight, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse.
Other Risk Factors
Fat consumption only plays a small part in the development of type 2 diabetes. Other risk factors include race, obesity, a family history of diabetes, age, being physically active, having had gestational diabetes and having impaired glucose metabolism.
Considerations
Eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help to make it easier for you to feel full on fewer calories and consume less fat. Because fat is higher in calories than protein or carbohydrates, foods high in fat tend to be more calorie-dense and easier to overeat than foods that are lower in fat.
Expert Insight
The type of fat you consume is just as important as the amount, according to the American Diabetes Association. Consuming saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol increases your risk of diabetes, so replacing these fats with the healthier monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats and omega-3 fats may decrease your risk for developing diabetes. However, it is important to keep total fat and calories at a level that allows you to maintain a healthy weight.
