A new study has found that low fat dairy foods could lower men’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The 12 year study of male health professionals, based in Massachusetts, found that men who ate the most dairy foods, particularly low fat varieties, were at less risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Skimmed milk provided the most noticeable benefit.

The researchers suggest that there could be a link with the known beneficial effects dairy has on risk factors such as weight loss and blood pressure. Although the study only looked at male eating habits, it is thought that similar effects would be seen in women.