August 12

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What is the Best Type of Milk for Low Glucose Levels?

By Gabriela

August 12, 2022


Nowadays, a controversial issue is whether consuming milk is healthy or not. And should those with diabetes consume milk?

According to the ADA, people should consume from 2 to 3 servings of low-fat milk or low-fat dairy on a daily basis. But what about people with the condition?

What Does Milk Contain?

In one package of milk, there are carbs, protein, and fat. In one liter of normal cow’s milk, there is from 30 to 25 g of protein, mostly casein.

Also, it contains different minerals and other proteins, but in small amounts, and vitamins B complex, E, C, K, A, and D.

Is There a Connection Between Type 1 and Milk Consumption?

According to some controversial studies, there is a link between juvenile-onset diabetes, i.e., type 1, and the consumption of cow’s milk.

Scientists came to the discovery that the composition of protein in cow milk, particularly the A1 beta-casein molecule is very different from the one in human milk. Therefore, humans find it hard to digest it.

Although on this topic there is a need for more research, studies note that the bovine insulin and A1 beta-casein found in cow’s milk might trigger an autoimmune reaction in kids with a particular human leukocyte antigen, i.e., HLA complex.

Due to this autoimmune reaction, the body can make antibodies against the beta cells. These are the cells that make insulin, the pancreas will gradually destroy these cells, and that can lead to type 1.

To stay on the safe side, mothers could try to breastfeed the babies until their first birthday.

Is There a Connection Between Type 2 and Milk Consumption?

Believe it or not, according to a review made out of 16 studies, full-fat milk can protect against heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. It seems that a fatty acid, i.e., the trans-palmitoleic acid in milk fat can help improve insulin sensitivity and insulin levels.

As a matter of fact, in another study, the participants who had the highest levels of this acid had a Health Matchthe condition in comparison to those participants who had the lowest levels.

Furthermore, the fat found in milk products has butyrate. This is said to improve gut flora and inhibit inflammation that has been linked to chronic disease.

Another fatty acid is known as phytanic acid and CLA, i.e., conjugated linolenic acid which is a natural trans fat was found to lower the risk of heart disease and high blood glucose levels.

Can People with the Condition Consume Milk?

Those with high blood glucose levels can consume full-fat milk from grass-fed animals. Avoid diabetic milk, since they are just a marketing scam.

How Much Milk Can Those With High Blood Glucose Levels Consume?

In order to find out how much people can consume there is a need for some tests. They should test their blood sugar levels before they consume milk and then test their levels one more time half an hour after they drink milk.

Bear in mind that during the day insulin sensitivity varies. To be more specific, in case they want to consume milk 2 times per day for example at night and in the morning, ensure to test their blood sugar levels each time.

Can Those with High Blood Sugar Levels Consume Non-Dairy Milk?

People should know that this depends on the kind of non-dairy milk. Some non-dairy milk has high carb content which can send our blood sugar on a roller-coaster. Those non-dairy milk are rice milk, any sweetened non-dairy milk, and oat milk.

Avoid soy milk; some say it is good, and some that are bad. To stay on the safe side, do not consume it. Consume almond milk or full-fat coconut milk. These products have natural fat which can prevent blood sugar spikes.

Opt for the unsweetened versions which are free from chemical additives like guar gum and sodium metabisulphite.

Source The Diabetes Council | Health Match

Author

  • Gabriela

    Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Diabetes Health Page, Fitness trainer and instructor has dedicated her career to educating and informing people for over 10 years. As one of the most passionate diabetes advocates, Gabi has worked tirelessly to ensure that those people receive the education and support they need to properly manage their diabetes and achieve their health, fitness and weight loss goals.

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