The epidemic of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is challenging public health worldwide and increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases and strokes. Small dietary and nutritional changes may contribute to prevent or reduce many of the T2D symptoms. This systematic review points out that current epidemiological studies show beneficial effects of dairy foods in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Dairy proteins improve insulin secretion
Only a few clinical studies have examined the long-term effect of dairy consumption on the incidence of T2D, focusing specifically on the Middle-East population and the impact of drinking yogurt (doogh), which is fermented and contains whey and casein proteins. The general results show that daily yogurt consumption may improve glycemic status in adults, diagnosed with T2D, and that many of the positive effects on glycemic control depend on vitamin D fortification and the addition of certain probiotic strains.
