Overview

• Three weekly servings of French fries were associated with a 20% increase in type 2 diabetes risk, while consumption of baked, boiled or mashed potatoes showed no significant link.
• Replacing three servings per week of French fries with whole grains corresponded to a 19% lower risk of type 2 diabetes, whereas substituting potatoes with white rice was tied to higher risk.
• Researchers analyzed dietary and health data from 205,107 participants in the Nurses’ Health Study I & II and the Health Professionals’ Follow-up Study, documenting 22,299 diabetes cases over 5.2 million person-years.
• A substitution meta-analysis of 10 prospective cohort studies reinforced the distinct effects of different potato preparations and clarified the benefits of whole-grain swaps.
• Authors noted that the study population was predominantly white health professionals and emphasized the need for further research in more diverse groups.