A new study led by a team from UBC Okanagan suggests that a simple change to the first meal of the day could help individuals with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) to manage their blood sugar levels better.
The research, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, proposes a shift from a traditional low-fat breakfast to a low-carb meal that is higher in protein and fat.
Aiming to Reduce Glucose Spikes
People with T2D often face rapid increases in blood glucose levels after eating, a challenge that this study aims to address.
The research indicates that a low-carbohydrate breakfast in the morning can aid in controlling blood sugar levels throughout the day.
Such management of glucose levels is essential for mitigating T2D complications like inflammation and cardiovascular disease.
Low-Carb Breakfast for Sustained Dietary Adherence
While low-carb diets have been acknowledged as a beneficial dietary strategy for glucose control, adhering to such diets over the long term can be challenging.
This study examined the effects of only the first meal of the day being low-carb on both diet adherence and blood glucose levels.
Research Methodology and Outcomes
The 12-week study involved 121 participants, divided into two groups. The first group ate low-carb breakfasts, while the second group consumed low-fat, high-carb options. Both types of breakfasts provided 450 calories.
Participants wore continuous glucose monitoring devices and had A1C blood tests at the start and end of the study.
Although there were no significant changes in weight, BMI, or waist circumference between the groups, the low-carb group saw a reduction in blood sugar levels.
Some members of this group were even able to decrease their glucose-lowering medication. The low-carb group also had less glycemic variability, suggesting a low-carb breakfast could help stabilize blood sugars throughout the day.
Intriguingly, those who had a low-carb breakfast reported lower calorie and carbohydrate intake for the rest of the day.
This finding suggests that a breakfast rich in protein and fat, but lower in carbs, could influence daily eating habits.
A Practical Approach for Diabetes Management
Dr. Oliveira, a member of the study team, emphasizes that the study’s goal is not to overhaul one’s entire diet but rather make a minor adjustment to the carbohydrate content of one meal.
This approach could significantly increase adherence while still providing substantial benefits.
A low-carb breakfast seems to align better with how people with T2D handle glucose throughout the day and shows promising potential for those struggling with their glucose levels in the morning.
The study was published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
If you care about blood sugar, please read studies about why blood sugar is high in the morning, and how to cook sweet potatoes without increasing blood sugar.
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