The science community is continuing to research the health benefits of our favourite dairy product, as if we needed any more excuses to indulge ourselves. The latest area of focus is on the potential impacts cheese may have on those living with diabetes. With over 240,000 New Zealanders suffering from the disease, new research into dietary restrictions for this group could have a significant impact.
People with diabetes are generally instructed to stay clear of full-fat cheeses, but research has been undertaken to find out whether or not this is entirely necessary. The latest study from the University of Alberta in Canada saw trials done to test pre-diabetic rats handling of low-fat vs regular cheese after a dose of insulin.
According to the study, both low fat and full-fat cheeses enabled the animals to regulate their blood sugar after an insulin injection better. “Insulin sensitivity of rats was improved by cheese independent of its fat content,” stated the paper. This suggests that people with diabetes boycotting of full-fat cheeses may not be entirely necessary.
While there is certainly more research to be done in this field before definitive statements can be made about the role of cheese in a diabetic person’s diet, this new data could be the start of a cheesy revolution.
