When it comes to nutrition, milk is a nutritional powerhouse thanks to its protein and antioxidant content. According to Healthline, a cup of whole cow's milk contains a significant amount of potassium, phosphorus, selenium, and vitamin B12. In addition, you'll receive around one-fourth of your daily recommended intake of riboflavin, vitamin D, and calcium. 

Milk is believed to support bone health and lower the risk of obesity due to the abundance of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients it contains. Some studies indicate that routine milk consumption may help prevent hypertension (via the University of Utah Health).

Does milk's high nutritional value suggest that people with diabetes might benefit from it? Although there are several forms of diabetes, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that the disease is characterized by the body's inability to create or use insulin as a reliable energy source. According to Medical News Today, foods with high sugar or starchy carbohydrates might raise blood sugar levels and put diabetics at risk. Soda, white bread, processed foods, and energy drinks are a few foods to stay away from because of this. What does that leave for milk, then?

Avoid certain types of milk if you have diabetes.

Dr. Pakhi Sharma of Phable claims that individuals with diabetes can benefit from consuming milk, but only if they consume specific types of milk. Due to milk's low glycemic index (GI) of 31, blood sugar levels may not rise as quickly as they would with a higher GI meal. In contrast, a breakfast cereal like Corn Flakes, which is strong in carbohydrates, has a GI of 93. (per Healthline). According to Dr. Sharma, people with diabetes should limit their intake to foods with a low or medium glycemic index. According to Healthline, low-GI foods are those with a value of no more than 55, whereas medium-GI meals have a rating between 56 and 69.

According to Dr. Sharma through Phable, those with diabetes should avoid or consume only a small amount of any type of milk high in sugar because it can increase blood sugar levels. This includes whole-fat dairy. While they are delightful, flavored milk like some chocolate or strawberry milk varieties may also be high in total fat, carbohydrates, and sugar (per Healthline).

low-fat or sugar-free alternatives

Dr. Sharma advises diabetics to limit their daily milk consumption to two or three servings (via Table). Diabetic individuals can benefit from the bone-strengthening properties of milk's calcium and vitamin D by selecting sugar-free and low-fat milk options while maintaining blood sugar management. For people who have diabetes, this is particularly crucial because these nutrients can help prevent fractures brought on by diabetes. Just read the nutrition label before making a purchase, as some low-fat milk brands still include a lot of carbs and sugar (per Healthline).