The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing
around the world, with sedentary lifestyles and inadequate
dietary habits as the major causing factors. Epidemiological
evidence suggests, that a diet characterized
by a low glycemic index (GI), protects against the development
of T2D [1]. The GI is used to establish postmeal
glycemic responses to carbohydrate rich meals.
Most often the GI correlates with Insulinemic Index (II),
measured similarly from postprandial insulinemic
responses. However, milk displays a discrepancy,showing a low GI but yet a high II [2]. Observational
studies have indicated that a diet rich in dairy products
may protect against development of the metabolic syndrome
and T2D [3,4]. Additionally, bovine whey protein
stimulates insulin secretion and facilitates post-meal glycemic
regulation in both healthy individuals and in
patients with T2D [5-8]. This may imply that coingestion
of milk, in particular the whey fraction, with
meals may lower glycemic excursions and thereby reduce
the glycemic impact of the diet.