Cheese is a nutritious food, providing a lot of protein, calcium and fat.
However, for people with diabetes, the consumption of cheese needs to be carefully considered.
The World Health Organization has issued specific recommendations on limiting foods rich in saturated fat and sodium - two ingredients with high content in most types of cheese.
According to research, a diet rich in saturated fat increases the risk of insulin resistance - a central medical condition in type 2 diabetes.
Cheese, especially fatty cheeses such as cheddar, brie or cream cheese, contain a very high amount of saturated fat, which can increase LDL cholesterol ( bad cholesterol) levels in the blood, thereby increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease - a serious complication commonly found in people with diabetes.
There may be a risk of type 2 diabetes
Cheese is often high in sodium for flavor enhancement and longer storage.
According to the World Health Organization, adults should not consume more than 2,000 mg of sodium per day. A small serving of cheese can contain up to 300500 mg of sodium. High consumption of sodium not only causes high blood pressure but also aggraives heart and kidney problems in people with diabetes.
Research also shows that regular consumption of dairy products such as cheese may increase the risk of switching from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes in people at high risk.
Although cheese can provide energy and nutrients, for people with diabetes, regular and uncontrolled consumption of this food can be more harmful than beneficial.
Instead, you should choose low-fat, low-salt or plant-based dairy products to control blood sugar and reduce the risk of complications.
