According to a study published in the journal PLOS Medicine, nitrites and nitrates present in food additives are linked with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The study revealed a link between food additives added to food to retain flavor or enhance taste, appearance, or other sensory aspects and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes.

In the study, researchers reviewed data gathered from 1,04,168 adults in the prospective cohort NutriNet-Sante to examine the association between dietary exposure to nitrites and nitrates and type 2 diabetes risk. The researchers used comprehensive data on nitrite and nitrate exposure from several databases and sources to analyze self-reported diet information and health outcomes.

The cohort was composed primarily of younger, more frequently female, and healthier individuals. The findings of the study revealed that individuals in the NutriNet-Sante cohort who reported consuming more nitrites overall, especially from food additives and non-additive sources, were at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

According to the lead author, these findings "provide a new piece of evidence in the context of current discussions regarding the need for a reduction in the use of nitrite additives in processed meats by the food industry and could support the need for better regulation of soil contamination by fertilizers." 

(Source: https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=1041093 )