This article is from the WebMD News Archive
Dairy Fat May Lower Diabetes Risk
New Research Suggests That a Fat Found Primarily in Dairy Foods May Lower Diabetes Risk
Reviewed by
Laura J. Martin, MD
Dec. 20, 2010 -- Experts recommend avoiding high-fat dairy products to lower diabetes risk, but a new study suggests this advice may be wrong.
Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health say they have identified a substance found primarily in dairy fat that appears to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Known as trans-palmitoleic acid, it is present in the fat of ruminant animals such as cows, sheep, and goats.
In the Harvard study, people with the highest levels of the fatty acid in their blood had a threefold lower risk of developing diabetes over time than people with the lowest levels.
They also had healthier HDL, or good, cholesterol levels, lower body fat, and less insulin resistance.
Dairy Fat and Diabetes
But it is too soon to switch from skimmed milk and low-fat yogurt to higher-fat versions.
The findings must be confirmed, researchers say, and it is not quite clear if trans-palmitoleic acid or a related compound was protective.
The Harvard study was funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health. It appears in the Dec. 21 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
“If nothing else, I think we have confirmed that there is something in dairy that reduces the risk of diabetes,” lead researcher Dariush Mozaffarian, MD, tells WebMD. “Either it is this fatty acid or something associated with it that we have not identified. It would be highly implausible that the relationship we saw is due to something unrelated to dairy.”
The study included 3,736 participants in the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)-run Cardiovascular Health Study.
Throughout the two-decade study, researchers measured metabolic markers of diabetes risk, including circulating blood fatty acid levels.
Higher blood levels of trans-palmitoleic acid at study entry were associated with better cholesterol, less insulin resistance, and less overall inflammation, even after researchers adjusted for other heart disease and diabetes risk factors.
Over 20 years of follow-up, participants with the highest circulating levels of the fatty acid had about a 60% lower risk of developing diabetes than people with the lowest levels.
The finding could explain earlier research suggesting that people who eat more dairy products have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, Mozaffarian says.
Advice to Limit Dairy Fat Still Stands
In a news release, study co-author Gokhan Hotamisligil, MD, PhD, notes that the next step will be to isolate the fatty acid to test its ability to lower diabetes risk in clinical trials.
“This is an extremely strong protective effect, stronger than other things we know can be beneficial against diabetes,” Hotamisligil says in the release.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) makes a clear distinction between healthy fats and unhealthy fats, and, not surprisingly, dairy fat falls into the latter category.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Is This Normal?
Get the Facts Fast!Answer:
Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia). |
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Become a Rite Aid wellness+ for diabetes member and get:
- Diet tips and fitness ideas
- Tools and trackers to help monitor your blood sugar and more
- Special offers and money-saving coupons
This tool is not intended for women who are pregnant.
