Consumption of cows’ milk is associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. A cross-sectional study

The aim of this prospective, adult population-based study was to analyse the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in relation to the intake of cows’ milk and the prevalence of anti-beta-lactoglobulin (anti-β-LG) antibodies. Measurements were made of weight, height, levels of anti-islet antibodies, anti-β-LG antibodies and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in all the participants. The likelihood of having positive anti-β-LG antibodies was higher in subjects who consumed milk more frequently. Subjects who consumed milk less than once per day were more likely to have type 2 diabetes than those who consumed milk more than once per day. The levels of TNF-α were significantly higher in individuals with positive anti-β-LG antibodies and in those who consumed milk more often. The prevalence of anti-β-LG antibodies was associated with the intake of milk and with the TNF-α levels, but not with the prevalence of type 2 diabetes.