Managing blood sugar can be one of the biggest challenges for people with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). A recent study from UBC Okanagan suggests that starting the day with a low-carb, high-protein, and high-fat breakfast might make a significant difference in blood sugar control.
For people with T2D, meals that are high in carbohydrates can lead to rapid blood sugar spikes.
These spikes not only make managing diabetes harder but can also increase the risk of long-term complications like inflammation and heart disease. Keeping blood sugar levels more stable throughout the day is crucial for better health.
The idea of cutting back on carbs to manage diabetes isn’t new—low-carb diets are known to help control blood sugar.
However, following such a diet consistently can be difficult. This study explored whether simply changing the first meal of the day could provide benefits without requiring an all-day low-carb commitment.
The 12-week study involved 121 participants with T2D. They were divided into two groups: one ate a low-carb breakfast, while the other had a traditional low-fat, high-carb breakfast.
The low-carb breakfast consisted of about 8 grams of carbohydrates, 25 grams of protein, and 37 grams of fat.
In contrast, the high-carb breakfast had 56 grams of carbohydrates, 20 grams of protein, and 15 grams of fat. Despite these differences, both breakfasts contained the same number of calories—around 450.
Participants wore devices to monitor their blood sugar levels continuously and underwent A1C tests at the start and end of the study. The A1C test measures average blood sugar levels over a few months and is an important indicator of diabetes management.
The results were promising. While there were no significant changes in participants’ weight or body measurements, those who ate low-carb breakfasts had better blood sugar control.
Some even needed less medication to manage their blood sugar. Their blood sugar levels also stayed more stable throughout the day, reducing the sharp rises and falls that can make diabetes harder to manage.
Interestingly, the study found that starting the day with a low-carb breakfast influenced eating habits later in the day. Participants who had a high-protein, high-fat breakfast tended to consume fewer calories and carbohydrates for the rest of the day.
This suggests that this small change in the morning could have a ripple effect, encouraging healthier choices throughout the day.
Dr. Oliveira, who led the study, emphasized that the goal wasn’t to overhaul participants’ entire diets but to focus on one manageable adjustment: changing the first meal of the day. This makes it easier for people with T2D to adopt a healthier eating plan without feeling overwhelmed.
Breakfast often sets the tone for blood sugar control, and a low-carb option could be a practical way to keep levels steady throughout the day. While the study didn’t examine other meals, its findings highlight how small changes can lead to meaningful improvements in managing diabetes.
For those exploring ways to improve diabetes management, other research offers additional insights. Studies suggest that drinking green tea may lower the risk of death in people with diabetes, while the common diabetes drug metformin might help protect against cognitive decline.
Eating blueberries has also been shown to benefit people with metabolic syndrome, and it’s important to note that some diabetes medications could raise the risk of heart problems.
This study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, adds to growing evidence that simple, focused changes can have significant health benefits.
For people with T2D, swapping a traditional breakfast for a low-carb, high-protein, and high-fat one might be an effective way to start the day right and improve overall health.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about Vitamin D and type 2 diabetes, and what you need to know about avocado and type 2 diabetes.
For more information about diabetes, please see recent studies about how to eat to prevent type 2 diabetes, and 5 vitamins that may prevent complication in diabetes.
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