Lean Beef vs. Chicken: No Metabolic Differences for Prediabetes, Study Finds

For years, individuals at risk for type 2 diabetes have been advised to choose chicken over beef. However, recent research is prompting a reevaluation of that guidance. A study published in December 2025 in Current Developments in Nutrition found that, in individuals with prediabetes, consuming approximately six to seven ounces of unprocessed beef daily did not demonstrate any measurable differences in blood sugar control compared to consuming the same amount of chicken.

The study, conducted by researchers at Indiana University School of Public Health–Bloomington and the Illinois Institute of Technology, involved 24 adults with prediabetes. Participants followed a diet incorporating either beef or chicken entrées daily for four weeks, then switched to the alternate protein source for another four-week period. Researchers monitored blood sugar levels, insulin response, cholesterol levels, and markers of inflammation throughout the trial.

No Significant Differences Observed

The findings revealed virtually no significant differences between the two diets. Participants exhibited similar blood sugar levels, insulin production, cholesterol numbers, and inflammation markers regardless of whether they consumed beef or chicken. This included no discernible impact on pancreatic β-cell function, a key indicator of diabetes progression. “If eating beef were to worsen beta-cell function, that would provide evidence to suggest it might be causing increased diabetes risk,” explained Kevin Maki, the Illinois-based lead researcher, to Fox News Digital. “We did not find evidence of that in our study.”

Approximately 70% of the study participants were male. The meals included common preparations such as burgers, fajitas, burritos, stews, and stir-fries, reflecting typical home-cooked meals rather than processed or fast-food options.

Short-Term Study, Specific Parameters

It’s important to note that this was a short-term study, and the results apply specifically to unprocessed beef consumed as part of a regular diet. The researchers emphasized that the findings do not extend to processed meats like bacon, sausage, or deli meats, which have been linked to less favorable health outcomes in other studies. The average consumption of unprocessed red meat in the United States is around 1.6 ounces per day, roughly half a portion, and researchers suggest this level of intake may be appropriate within a balanced dietary pattern.

The study was funded by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, but the researchers assert that the funding source did not influence data collection or analysis. The trial was also pre-registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, a public database designed to promote transparency in research reporting.

Adding to a Growing Body of Evidence

These findings align with a growing body of evidence suggesting that unprocessed beef, when consumed in reasonable amounts as part of a balanced diet, may not be detrimental to blood sugar control in the short term. For years, population studies have linked red meat consumption to an increased risk of diabetes, but controlled experiments, like this one, are increasingly demonstrating that beef and chicken perform similarly.

Experts not involved in the study agree that further research is warranted. Mia Kazanjian, a radiologist in Connecticut, noted that while unprocessed beef did not worsen risk factors in the short term, long-term data are still needed before making broad recommendations.

Implications for Dietary Recommendations

The study’s results do not advocate for unrestricted beef consumption. Rather, they suggest that the long-held advice to automatically substitute beef for chicken may not be universally applicable, particularly for individuals with prediabetes. Researchers recommend prioritizing a healthy dietary pattern that emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, seafood, and healthy fats, with animal proteins, including beef, fitting within that framework.

“Our recommendation is to follow a healthy dietary pattern that emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, seafood, and healthy fats. Animal proteins, including beef, can fit into that pattern,” Maki stated.

This research contributes to an ongoing discussion about the role of different foods in metabolic health. It underscores the importance of considering the overall dietary pattern rather than focusing on demonizing individual foods. More research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of beef consumption and to refine dietary recommendations for individuals at risk of or living with diabetes.