Is Gluten Consumption a Possible Cause of Skyrocketing Diabetes Rates?

There are so many variables in this type of study that it's a thin line to draw such a conclusion.  I'd like to see this approach expanded to include countries with a diet heavier on pastas and the like.  Bread has been a staple in diets in many countries throughout history, so it would seem unusual to see a rise in diabetes due to gluten ingestion. 

My understanding is that a slice of bread has approximately 5 grams of gluten.  Depending on where/how you were raised and at what time period you might have had toast with breakfast, a sandwich at lunch, and rolls with dinner.  That's a lot of gluten. 

A historical look would be very helpful in seeing a correlation, perhaps, of our adult/elderly population and diets on which they were reared.  It certainly makes me curious.

1 hour ago, Ging said:

There are so many variables in this type of study that it's a thin line to draw such a conclusion.  I'd like to see this approach expanded to include countries with a diet heavier on pastas and the like.  Bread has been a staple in diets in many countries throughout history, so it would seem unusual to see a rise in diabetes due to gluten ingestion. 

My understanding is that a slice of bread has approximately 5 grams of gluten.  Depending on where/how you were raised and at what time period you might have had toast with breakfast, a sandwich at lunch, and rolls with dinner.  That's a lot of gluten. 

A historical look would be very helpful in seeing a correlation, perhaps, of our adult/elderly population and diets on which they were reared.  It certainly makes me curious.

Hi Ging. Although I agree it's too little to draw such a conclusion that gluten is the cause, to be fair, the article/study doesn't draw that conclusion. For example, if you click on the BMJ link, the title of the article is "A potential association that deserves closer scrutiny". Given the correlation found, I certainly agree with that and it raises my curiosity too!  Also, bread has not been a staple in diets throughout history.  In general, grains like wheat have only been part of human diets for about 10,000 years.