Cheese consumed in moderation can help reduce blood sugar levels, according to a new study. Researchers from the University of Alberta wanted to study the impact of regular-fat cheese and reduced fat cheese on insulin resistance.
The team conducted the study on pre-diabetic rats. Researchers also wanted to understand the biochemical mechanisms that may explain any effects in the study. The results showed both types of cheese reduced insulin resistance, which is essential to manage blood sugar levels.
"The most interesting finding in our research was that both reduced and regular-fat cheddar cheese reduced insulin resistance," authors of the study told a news portal. Adding, "This suggests that the beneficial effects of cheese might not be related to the amount of fat but to some other component, such as the protein or the calcium."
Researchers also took note of how metabolites in the blood changed after the cheese was consumed. The effects were the same for both types of cheese. "The changes are related to a specific type of molecule called phospholipids, which have many functions in the body," the authors stated. Adding, "Interestingly, low-circulating phospholipids are linked with diabetes and insulin resistance in humans. Further study is now required to understand how cheese regulates phospholipid metabolism and how this relates to insulin resistance."
Insulin resistance is a condition that develops due to ageing and obesity. This gives rise to high blood glucose and increases the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Previous research has found soaking yourself in hot water can also help lower your blood sugar. Researchers told a new portal that a bath could "improve aspects of the inflammatory profile and enhance glucose metabolism in sedentary, overweight males." They further went on to explain a soak "might have implications for improving metabolic health in populations unable to meet the current physical activity recommendations."
Another study conducted by scientists at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine found high blood sugar can increase the risk of tuberculosis. Researchers say a person can even develop TB before they develop diabetes.
"If you have TB and diabetes at the same time, it makes treatment even more complicated," Paul Jensen, director of policy and strategy at The Union, told a news portal. Adding, "You're more likely to get TB again in the future and you're more likely to die."
