Doctors recommend eating plain yogurt to reduce diabetes risk and combat insulin resistance.

New Delhi, April 14 (IANS) Regular consumption of plain yoghurt may help people reduce their risk of diabetes and insulin resistance, as per doctors. The US FDA qualified health claim states that eating yoghurt may decrease the risk of Type-2 Diabetes (T2D) based on limited scientific evidence.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, US, clarified that while yoghurt may reduce the risk of T2D, it will not cure or treat the disease. The probiotic content in yoghurt promotes gut health, playing a crucial role in regulating glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity to manage blood sugar levels.
Vandana Verma, Principal Dietitian at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, highlighted the importance of choosing plain yoghurt with live cultures and no added sugars for maximum health benefits. Incorporating yoghurt into a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, along with regular exercise, is essential for managing and reducing the risk of diabetes.
Yoghurt, being a rich source of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial microbes, helps alter the microbiota and ecosystem of the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, the presence of Lactobacillus casei, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Bifidobacterium species in yoghurt enhances immunity, reduces obesity, and maintains liver health.
Dr. Rajeev Gupta, Director – Internal Medicine at the C.K. Birla Hospital (R), Delhi, explained that the metabolites in yoghurt may have anti-inflammatory properties, modulating immunity and cytokines to reduce insulin resistance and decrease the onset of new diabetes cases and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NFLD).
The approval of yoghurt for managing blood sugar levels highlights the significance of probiotics in promoting gut health. Choosing the right type of yoghurt, along with a balanced diet and regular exercise, can play a crucial role in reducing the risk of diabetes and improving overall health.