A new study from the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus shows that changing just one meal—breakfast—can help people with Type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar better.
The research found that starting the day with a low-carb breakfast instead of a high-carb one can lead to more stable blood sugar throughout the day.
Type 2 diabetes is a health condition where the body has trouble using insulin. Insulin is a hormone that moves sugar from the blood into the cells. When insulin doesn’t work well, sugar builds up in the blood. Over time, this can lead to serious problems like heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve pain.
After meals, everyone’s blood sugar goes up, but for people with diabetes, it can rise much higher—especially after eating high-carb foods like toast, cereal, or pancakes. These fast jumps in blood sugar can cause long-term harm. Keeping blood sugar steady after meals is a key goal for people with diabetes.
The idea of eating fewer carbs to manage diabetes isn’t new. But sticking to a low-carb diet all the time is hard. That’s why this study focused only on changing breakfast.
The 12-week study included 121 adults with Type 2 diabetes. They were split into two groups. One group ate a low-carb breakfast, while the other ate a high-carb, low-fat breakfast. Both meals had about 450 calories, but the nutrients were different.
The low-carb group had about 8 grams of carbs, 25 grams of protein, and 37 grams of fat. Their breakfasts included foods like eggs, cheese, and avocado. The high-carb group ate around 56 grams of carbs, 20 grams of protein, and 15 grams of fat, with meals like oatmeal or toast.
The researchers used special devices to track blood sugar all day. They also checked A1C levels, a blood test that shows average blood sugar over time.
At the end of the study, the group that ate low-carb breakfasts had steadier blood sugar. Their sugar levels didn’t rise as much after eating, and some even needed less diabetes medication. This shows that one small change can make a big difference.
People in the low-carb breakfast group also ate fewer carbs and calories during the rest of the day. Starting with a protein-rich, high-fat meal seemed to help them make healthier food choices overall—without strict dieting.
Dr. Barbara Oliveira, the lead researcher, said that the goal wasn’t to change a person’s whole diet. Instead, she wanted to find a simple way to help people control their blood sugar. Since mornings are often hard for people with diabetes, a better breakfast might be a smart place to start.
The study didn’t lead to weight loss, but the benefits for blood sugar control were clear. This small, easy change may help people with Type 2 diabetes live healthier lives—especially if full low-carb diets are hard to follow.
Other studies have looked at simple ways to improve life for people with diabetes. For example, green tea may help lower the risk of early death. The common drug metformin might protect against memory loss. Blueberries could help people with metabolic syndrome. But some diabetes drugs may also increase heart risks.
This new study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, gives hope that changing one morning habit could help manage diabetes in a big way.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about diabetes and vitamin B12, and the right diet for people with type 2 diabetes.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how to eat smart with diabetes, and turmeric and vitamin D: a duo for blood pressure control in diabetic patients.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
