A recent study led by researchers from UBC Okanagan highlights a simple dietary change that could potentially help individuals with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) manage their blood sugar levels more effectively.
The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, suggests transitioning from a traditional low-fat breakfast to a low-carb meal rich in protein and fat.
Aim: Reducing Glucose Spikes
Many people with T2D experience rapid increases in blood glucose levels after meals, which can lead to health complications.
This research aims to address this challenge by proposing that a low-carbohydrate breakfast may assist in controlling blood sugar levels throughout the day.
Effective glucose management is crucial for mitigating T2D-related complications like inflammation and cardiovascular disease.
Low-Carb Breakfast for Sustainable Adherence
While low-carb diets have been recognized as beneficial for glucose control, adhering to them over the long term can be challenging.
This study specifically examines the effects of implementing a low-carb breakfast, considering its potential impact 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 consumed low-carb breakfasts, while the second group consumed low-fat, high-carb breakfasts, with both options providing 450 calories.
Participants wore continuous glucose monitoring devices and underwent A1C blood tests at the study’s start and end.
Key findings included:
- The low-carb group experienced reduced blood sugar levels.
- Some participants in the low-carb group were able to decrease their glucose-lowering medication.
- The low-carb group exhibited lower glycemic variability, suggesting that a low-carb breakfast could help stabilize blood sugars throughout the day.
- Those who had a low-carb breakfast reported lower calorie and carbohydrate intake for the remainder of the day.
Practical Implications for Diabetes Management
Dr. Oliveira, a member of the research team, emphasizes that the study’s objective is not to overhaul one’s entire diet but to make a minor adjustment to the carbohydrate content of the first meal of the day.
This approach can lead to improved adherence while offering significant benefits.
A low-carb breakfast appears to align better with how individuals with T2D manage glucose levels throughout the day, showing potential promise for those dealing with elevated glucose levels in the morning.
Conclusion
This study suggests that a simple dietary change from a low-fat to a low-carb breakfast may help individuals with Type 2 Diabetes better manage their blood sugar levels throughout the day.
By providing practical benefits and aligning with the natural glucose patterns of individuals with T2D, this dietary shift could have a positive impact on glucose control and overall health. The study was published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about high vitamin D level linked to lower dementia risk in diabetes, and this eating habit could help reduce risk of type 2 diabetes.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies about unhealthy plant-based diets linked to metabolic syndrome, and results showing Paleo diet plus exercise could boost heart health in people with diabetes
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