The association between consumption of dairy products and risk of type 2 diabetes

Abstract

BackgroundThe effects of dairy products on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are unclear. Some studies have revealed the beneficial effects, whereas others found harmful effects of dairy products on the risk of T2DM. The objective of the present study was to investigate the association of different types of dairy products with risk of T2DM in Iranian adults.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included a total of 4241 individuals. Among these participants, 1804 were diagnosed with T2DM or prediabetes, whereas the remaining 2437 individuals were without T2DM. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the consumption of different types of dairy products.ResultsA positive association was found between T2DM with dietary intake of milk odds ratio (OR): 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11-1.23, P = 0.008 and cheese (OR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.41-2.29, P = 0.001) after adjustment for age, sex, physical activity, BMI, education level, energy, and fat intake. There was no significant association between T2DM and dietary intake of total dairy, yogurt, ayran (yogurt drink), and curd.ConclusionA positive association was found between the consumption of some dairy products including milk and cheese and the risk of T2DM. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to approve this finding.