Researchers in University College Dublin (UCD) are looking for volunteers to get involved with a new study on diabetes.

The researchers are examining whether the foods we eat can help treat the condition, which currently affects over 6% of the population.

People with diabetes have high blood sugar, known as blood glucose, because their pancreas does not produce enough insulin or because the body does not respond in the way it should to insulin that is produced. Insulin is a hormone that stops the body's blood glucose level from getting too high

The researchers at UCD have been looking at milk to see if some of its proteins can help manage blood glucose levels. Ireland is well known for its milk industry and it currently produces enough milk to feed over 50 million people.

"Already it is well understood that a high consumption of dairy products reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and, in people who already have the condition, it can help control blood sugar levels. Milk is an excellent natural source of all the major nutrients," the researchers pointed out.

The study requires volunteers aged between 40 and 65 from the Dublin area. Anyone interested in taking part should call Elaine on 086 721 3854 or email nutritionresearch@ucd.ie