A study reported in the journal Nutrition found obese, diabetic mice whose diet was supplemented with an extract of cacao liquor demonstrated a significant reduction in blood sugar.

Scientists examined if cacao beans might be helpful in preventing Type 2 diabetes. They supplemented the diets of obese, diabetic mice with cacao liquor for 3 weeks. The specific type of cacao liquor, called cacao liquor proanthocyanidins (CLPr), contains 72% polyphenols. They found that blood sugar was reduced in direct correlation with the dosage of CLPr.

This study was funded by confectionary giant Mars, Inc. In case Mars doesn't ring a bell - maybe some of their products might: Snicksers, 3 Musketeers, Milky Way, and M & M's to name a few. With the results of this research, and the deep pockets behind it -- maybe Mars is contemplating coming out with a diabetes-reversing candy bar? I suggest they call it The Sweet Escape (start the music!)

University of Massachusetts Amherst researchers found that yogurt enriched with fruit or made from soy could play an important dietary role for people living with Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Scientists screened extracts from a sampling of dairy and soy yogurts for properties that could help stabilize diabetes and hypertension. The fruit-enriched yogurts, especially those made with blueberries or made from soy, may curb some aspects of diabetes. The findings provide a strong rationale for further clinical studies, and for incorporating "healthy diet design" into disease management strategies.

The research shows that certain plant compounds affect enzymes targeted by diabetes drugs, notably alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase. The research also investigated foods' effect on angiotensin converting enzyme or ACE inhibitors, medicines used to fight high blood pressure. The study used peach, strawberry, blueberry and plain yogurt made by four different producers, including a soy brand. Tests showed that soy blueberry yogurt strongly affected all three of the enzymes. Peach and strawberry yogurt also affected alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase. The researchers tested the yogurt varieties for antioxidants and plant compounds called phenols. Phenols and polyphenols give red wine and tea some of their heart-healthy benefits. Plain soy yogurt was the most potent, with blueberry dairy yogurt scoring second on phenol and antioxidant content, the researchers said. Soy yogurt was also the best at inhibiting ACE, which causes blood vessels to narrow and raises blood pressure.

If you've been steering clear of sweet snacks like yogurt for fear of losing blood sugar control - here's your chance to reconsider. Stroll down your local grocer's dairy isle and peruse the colorful display of fruity yogurts. They are just begging for a shot at the title of the sweet treat for better diabetes control.