Scientists reached the conclusion after tracking 57,000 men and women over a 20-year period.

They found that eating an egg a day raises the overall risk of type 2 diabetes by 60%.

And for women that risk was even worse -- increasing to 77%.

However, eating just one egg a week carried no increased risk, revealed the study by scientists in Boston.

Pav Kalsi, spokeswoman for Charity Diabetes UK, said, "We recommend that, in order to reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes, people should follow a healthy, balanced diet.

"This should be low in fat, salt and sugar but high in fruits and vegetables.

"We would also recommend that people cut down their saturated fat intake to help reduce their cholesterol levels."

She added, "There is a strong link between weight and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as 80% of people who are diagnosed with the condition are overweight at the time of diagnosis.

"It is more important to look at the overall diet rather than focusing on one specific food as was done in this study.

"More research would be needed if eating eggs regularly actually plays a definite role in the development of type 2 diabetes."  

From the December 22, 2008, Prepared Foods e-Flash