People like risks — even when consistently coming out on the short end — if the fact that Las Vegas casinos earned more than $8 billion in 2022 is any indication. But when it comes to your health, you want to bet on winners.

Recent research offers you smart ways to cut your risk of Type 2 diabetes.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a qualified health claim that says eating 2 cups of yogurt a week is associated with a reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes. We think that probiotics in yogurt may be what's helping your gut biome regulate glucose metabolism.

The caveat: The Food and Drug Administration didn't say that this applies only to plain yogurt. But don't think you can down 6 ounces of strawberry smoothie yogurt with 16 grams of added sugars (that's 80% of daily maximum most people can handle) and still get the protective benefits.

You may also reduce your Type 2 risk by taking probiotic supplements.

In addition, a Swedish study shows that getting seven to eight hours of sleep nightly reduces your risk for Type 2 diabetes significantly. And even when people eat a healthy diet, sleeping for five hours a night over 12 years ups the risk of developing Type 2 by 16%; sleeping for only three to four hours increases your risk by 41%.

You can also reduce your diabetes risk by drinking filtered black coffee.

Those are smart choices worth betting on.