Saturated Fats' Role in Type-2 Diabetes More Complex than Previously Considered

Researchers at the University of Cambridge say that the relationship between saturated fats and type-2 diabetes is more complex than previously thought. A latest study shows that some types of saturated fats might actually lower type-2 diabetes risk.

The study is published in the journal Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology.

The researchers said that the effect of saturated fats on diabetes risk depends on the kind of fatty acids present in the blood.

Saturated fats are fat molecules without double bonds between carbon atoms. The length of the molecules varies depending on the number of carbons.

Previously, research has shown that saturated fats - which are present in butter, cheese and red meat - are harmful to heart health. However, research on saturated fats' role in diabetes is still lacking.

For the study, researchers analyzed data from 340,234 adults across eight European countries. Around 12,403 people in this group had developed type-2 diabetes. The team used a new method of high-speed blood analysis to determine the level of each of nine fatty acids in the blood samples of the participants. The team then compared the fatty acid profile of the control group with the diabetes group.

The researchers found that saturated fatty acids with an even number of carbon atoms in their chain were associated with high risk of type-2 diabetes, while fats with odd carbon numbers such as 15 and 17 were linked to lower risk of the disease.

"These odd-chain saturated fatty acids are well-established markers of eating dairy fats, which is consistent with several recent studies, including our own, that have indicated a protective effect against type 2 diabetes from eating yoghurt and other dairy products," said Dr Nita Forouhi, from the MRC Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge.

" In contrast, the situation for even-chain saturated fatty acids is more complex. As well as being consumed in fatty diets, these blood fatty acids can also be made within the body through a process which is stimulated by the intake of carbohydrates and alcohol," Forouhi said in a news release.

Based on the study, it might be safe to say that dairy products such as cheese might help lower diabetes risk. The researchers, however, maintained that it is too early to make dietary recommendations based on the study results.