512px-Buttermilk-(right)-and-Milk-(left)Science continues to show that fat may not be as bad as it has been perceived in the past. Researchers recently found that whole-fat dairy products are associated with a type of fatty acid that could benefit people with a high risk of getting diabetes mellitus. One study revealed that people with elevated blood content of trans-palmitoleic acid had a 62 percent lower probability of getting diabetes compared to people with the lowest levels of the fatty acid. The research study involved approximately 3,700 subjects who were above sixty-five years old.

Palmitoleic acid is naturally present in the blood and may play a significant role in controlling the levels of triglyceride and cholesterol, as well as lowering insulin resistance. The fatty acid is also present in sources of food and is referred to as trans-palmitoleic acid. It is mainly found in dairy products. While the amount of whole-fat dairy food required cannot be accurately determined, it is believed that dairy is beneficial and can be added to meals to lower Type 2 diabetes risk. Additionally, trans-palmitoleic acid has been linked to smaller waist circumference and lower BMI. Both of the mentioned aspects are factors necessary for improvement of heart conditions and enhancement of insulin sensitivity.

However, since this is just an opinion study, the findings may be insufficient to recommend that people alter their diets. Data was collected on the basis of participant’s self-reports. This means that there is the need to conduct further studies or get more information for result verification and bolstering the theory that the dairy products are beneficial to people with Type 2 diabetes risks.