A recent study from UBC Okanagan has found that a simple adjustment to breakfast could help people with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) manage their blood sugar more effectively. R
esearchers discovered that replacing a typical low-fat breakfast with one that’s low in carbohydrates but higher in protein and fat can make a significant difference in controlling blood sugar levels.
One of the main challenges for people with T2D is managing blood sugar spikes after meals, especially after eating foods high in carbohydrates.
These sudden increases in blood sugar can lead to long-term complications like inflammation, heart disease, and other health issues. Keeping blood sugar levels steady is crucial for overall health and reducing these risks.
The idea of reducing carbs to control diabetes isn’t new. Low-carb diets have been shown to help stabilize blood sugar. However, following such diets strictly can be difficult for many people.
This study explored whether focusing on just one low-carb meal—breakfast—could provide benefits without requiring a major overhaul of the entire diet.
The Study and Its Findings
The research involved 121 participants over 12 weeks, split into two groups. One group ate a low-carb breakfast, while the other had a low-fat, high-carb breakfast. Both breakfasts were designed to have the same calorie content (about 450 calories), but their composition was very different.
- Low-carb breakfast: About 8 grams of carbs, 25 grams of protein, and 37 grams of fat.
- High-carb breakfast: Around 56 grams of carbs, 20 grams of protein, and 15 grams of fat.
Throughout the study, participants wore continuous blood sugar monitors. Their A1C levels—a measure of average blood sugar over a few months—were checked at the start and end of the study.
While participants didn’t experience significant weight changes, those who ate the low-carb breakfasts had better blood sugar control. Some even reduced the amount of diabetes medication they needed.
Their blood sugar levels remained more stable throughout the day, with fewer sharp spikes and drops compared to the high-carb group.
Interestingly, those who started the day with a low-carb breakfast also tended to eat fewer calories and carbohydrates later in the day. This suggests that a protein- and fat-rich breakfast might positively influence eating habits beyond the morning meal.
Why Breakfast Matters
Dr. Oliveira, the study’s lead researcher, explained that the goal wasn’t to promote an entirely new diet but to focus on one practical change: eating a low-carb breakfast.
This small adjustment could make it easier for people with T2D to stick to healthier eating habits while still reaping important benefits.
Morning blood sugar control is often a challenge for people with T2D, as blood sugar levels tend to be higher in the morning due to natural hormonal changes.
By starting the day with a low-carb meal, individuals can help stabilize their blood sugar for the rest of the day, potentially improving their overall health and reducing their reliance on medication.
Promising Results and Practical Implications
Although the study didn’t involve dramatic dietary changes, the results are encouraging. A low-carb breakfast can be a simple and effective strategy for managing blood sugar without requiring an overhaul of the entire diet.
For people with T2D looking for other ways to manage their condition, previous research has shown that drinking green tea may lower the risk of diabetes-related complications, and metformin, a commonly prescribed diabetes medication, might protect against cognitive decline.
Additionally, eating nutrient-rich foods like blueberries has been shown to help those with metabolic syndrome.
As research continues, small, practical changes like modifying breakfast could pave the way for more accessible and sustainable ways to manage T2D.
These findings, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, offer a simple yet impactful approach to improving blood sugar control and overall health for people living with diabetes.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies that pomace olive oil could help lower blood cholesterol, and honey could help control blood sugar.
For more information about health, please see recent studies that blueberries strongly benefit people with metabolic syndrome, and results showing eggs in a plant-based diet may benefit people with type 2 diabetes.
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