Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic medical condition that develops when the body fails to use insulin properly, resulting in abnormal blood sugar levels. Although diabetes is usually seen among adults over 45 years of age, an increasing number of young populations, including children and teenagers, are also being diagnosed with this condition. Managing diabetes requires healthy eating, an active lifestyle, and taking prescribed medications, such as insulin or oral diabetes medicines, to control blood sugar levels and prevent complications.
If you have Type 2 diabetes, making a simple tweak to your breakfast can help keep your blood sugar in check throughout the day. According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, cutting carbs from your breakfast menu may help better control your blood sugar levels. The study, led by researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) Okanagan, suggested that switching from a traditional western-style low-fat breakfast, such as oatmeal, toast, and fruit, to a low-carb meal higher in protein and fat, like eggs with bacon or cheese, may benefit people with T2D. Cutting breakfast carbs can help them better manage their blood sugar for most of the day.
People living with Type 2 diabetes usually experience a rapid or large increase in blood glucose levels after a meal. It is crucial to lower post-meal glucose swings and rapid changes in glucose to manage this condition, and treatment strategies should focus on this. The UBC Okanagan researchers believe that starting the day with a low-carb meal higher in protein and fat can limit hyperglycemic swings. Dr. Barbara Oliveira from UBC Okanagan stated that simply changing the first meal of the day and eating a low-carbohydrate breakfast appears to help keep the blood sugar in check throughout the day.
Keeping the blood sugar levels under control is critical for reducing diabetes-related complications, including inflammation and cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of morbidity in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Low-carb diets as a dietary strategy to improve glucose control are a well-known fact, but adopting this eating habit for the long-term is not an easy thing to do. As per the new study, there is no need to go for a complete diet overhaul; making just the first meal of the day low-carb may be enough to stabilize blood sugars throughout the day.
To manage diabetes effectively, patients play a major role. Here are some tips suggested by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for managing diabetes effectively:
1. Check your blood sugar regularly
2. Eat healthy and be active
3. Take medicines as prescribed by the doctor
4. Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol close to the targets
5. Manage stress as it can make managing diabetes harder
People with diabetes should watch out for the signs of high or low blood sugar, and monitor their feet, skin, and eyes to catch problems early.
In conclusion, T2D is a chronic medical condition that can be managed by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking prescribed medications. As per the new study, making a simple tweak to your breakfast by cutting carbs and opting for a low-carb meal higher in protein and fat may help keep your blood sugar in check throughout the day. However, patients must play a major role in diabetes management by following the suggested tips by the CDC and monitoring signs of high or low blood sugar levels. Managing diabetes requires discipline, but the benefits of strict management can make a huge difference in the long run.
