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  June 22, 2021
• • Featured • Announcements

Dairy Products – How They’re Helping to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes in youth and young adults is on the rise according to the Center of Disease Control and Protection. The CDC found that nearly 34 million Americans are living with diabetes and more than 90% of have type 2 diabetes. In short, the onset of type 2 diabetes occurs when the body develops a resistance to the hormone, insulin. When the body doesn’t respond to the insulin being made by the pancreas, the pancreas makes more and eventually raises the level of sugar in the blood stream. High blood sugar is a leading cause for serious health problems including, heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease. 

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study in 2011 that tracked the relationship between dairy consumption during adolescents and the risk of type 2 diabetes seen in adulthood. The study found that consuming more dairy as an adolescent led to a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes as an adult. Additionally, research from this study found that children that consumed more dairy, grew up to consume less sugary drinks. More recently, a study conducted by researchers in Sweden, found that an increased intake of high-fat dairy products was directly linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. High-fat dairy products include butter, yogurt, milk, cream, and cheese. These products, in moderation, has been found to have protective effects against type 2 diabetes. The American Heart Association recommends three servings of dairy every day to promote a healthy diet and a decreased risk in cardiovascular related diseases.