levels of dairy foods had a nine-percent less risk in developing Type 2 diabetes.
Forty one thousand men were tracked for twelve years. They had no prior history
of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer. They filled out questionnaires,
surveys on other health related topics, and exercise to discover if consuming
more dairy foods reduced the risk for diabetes. They found that men who ate
higher levels of dairy products had a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Of the 41,000 plus men who took part in the survey, just over 1200 were documented
as new cases of diabetes. The study also determined that these men were not
having two servings of low fat dairy products each day.
This is significant, because there are an estimated 41 million Americans who
have a weakened glucose tolerance which lead to a higher risk of diabetes.
This inability to tolerate glucose will continue to rise as our population
ages, we grow heavier, and we don’t get the right exercise levels.
Two servings of dairy products a day resulted in a nine-percent drop in risk
of diabetes for each serving consumed. The study decided the most benefit came
from consuming products that were labeled low fat. Two servings are recommended
for most individuals who do not have other health issues that involve dairy
products.
Skim milk made a significant difference in the statistics but other low fat
products as well as ice cream contributed to the lower risk percentage. Just
think, low fat ice cream and reducing the risk of diabetes! Many dairy products
on the store shelves today that are labeled low fat and still have wonderful
taste. Take a moment to roam in the ice cream section of your favorite grocery
store. Look at labels, and then pick a low fat product up and take it home.
You may be pleasantly surprised at the quality and taste of the product.
Other considerations for reducing the risk of developing diabetes will depend
on your over-all diet, exercise plan, and weight related precautions. Since
diabetes is largely associated with overweight and obesity, it pays to look
at ways that will not only help us lose weight but decrease the risk of developing
this disease as well.
Type 2 diabetes currently affects over 16 million people just in the United
States and about 135 million people around the world. Managing the disease
takes time, care with diet and usually medications. The primary need for lowering
the statistics of diabetes is prevention. Taking proper steps to remain healthy,
eating the proper foods, getting the required amount of sleep, and exercising
at least five times a week goes a long way toward preventing diabetes.
The role of dairy products in our diet is well documented. Studies will continue
in this area to supplement the reports already gathered. The nutrients found
in dairy products are important to our over-all health, and as this study concludes,
could reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes, especially for men.
