In a nutshell
This study examined the effect of meat and dairy consumption on the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D). The authors concluded that high consumption of dairy contributes to the risk of developing T2D, whereas consumption of lean red meat reduces the risk.
Some background
Patients with prediabetes produce insulin (hormone which lowers blood glucose levels). However, patients have a reduction in insulin sensitivity (ability of insulin to work in the body). This can lead to high blood glucose (sugar) levels and may result in the development of T2D.
It is important to identify risk factors which contribute to T2D development in order to reduce the risk. A diet high in red meat and processed meat has been linked with an increased risk of developing T2D. In contrast, a diet high in dairy has been associated with a lower risk of developing T2D. The effect of red meat and dairy consumption on insulin sensitivity has not been studied.
Methods & findings
This study aimed to determine the effect of a diet high in dairy or meat on insulin sensitivity.
This study involved 47 men and women who were overweight or obese. Roughly half of the participants had impaired responses to glucose. Participants followed 3 different diets for 4 weeks each. One diet involved a high consumption of lean red meat and minimal dairy. The second diet involved a high consumption of low-fat dairy and no red meat. The control diet did not contain red meat or dairy. Glucose and insulin levels were measured at the end of each diet in order to calculate insulin sensitivity.
Insulin sensitivity was lower after the high dairy diet compared to the red meat diet. Insulin sensitivity was 14.7% lower in women after the dairy diet compared to the red meat diet. Women experienced an increase in insulin sensitivity after the red meat diet compared to the dairy diet. There was no difference between diets for men.
The bottom line
This study concluded that a high consumption of dairy reduces insulin sensitivity in overweight and obese individuals compared to a diet high in lean meat.
The fine print
As patients reported how much meat and dairy they had consumed, it is possible that consumption may have been under-reported.
What’s next?
Consult your physician regarding the risks and benefits of consuming a diet high in lean meat and low in dairy.
Published By :
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Date :
Mar 25, 2015
