Low-Fat Dairy Products Are Good for Middle-Aged and Elderly Women

---

A prospective study of dairy intake and the risk of type 2 diabetes in women, by S. Liu and colleagues. Diabetes Care 29:1579-1584, 2006.

What is the problem and what is known about it so far?

Although studies have shown that eating dairy products (such as low-fat milk, yogurt, and low-fat cheese) can have a good effect on body weight, blood pressure, and heart health, there is very little information on the link between dairy intake and type 2 diabetes.

Why did the researchers do this particular study?

The researchers wanted to see if eating more dairy foods would lower the risk for type 2 diabetes in middle-aged and elderly women.

Who was studied?

More than 37,000 women from the Women’s Health Study (WHS) who had given detailed information about what they ate and drank on a daily basis. These women ranged from being middle-aged to a bit older (high 40s to low 60s). They did not have diabetes at the start of the study.

How was the study done?

In addition to the information already provided by the women, the researchers also had the women complete a questionnaire about the types and amounts of food they ate in the previous year. This allowed the researchers to divide the women into different groups, from those who consumed high amounts of dairy to those who consumed low amounts.

What did the researchers find?

The researchers found that women who consumed more dairy foods had a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. The healthiest, lowest-risk women consumed more low-fat dairy products (such as low-fat or skim milk, yogurt, sherbet, and cottage/ricotta cheese), exercised more, and consumed less alcohol. 

What were the limitations of the study?

It is possible that type 2 diabetes was underdiagnosed, since the women’s tolerance to glucose was not measured and because the women self-reported whether they had type 2 diabetes.

What are the implications of the study?

A calcium-rich diet that includes low-fat dairy products can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes in middle-aged and elderly women. The lowest-risk women were not only more likely to consume low-fat dairy products, but they also exercised more and drank less. Therefore, an overall healthy lifestyle is the key to preventing type 2 diabetes.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Virtual Grocery Store: Dairy

Women and Diabetes

Cook with Heart-Healthy Foods

Carol Guber’s Type 2 Diabetes Life Plan