If you’re suffering from type 2 diabetes, you must know that maintaining a low-carbohydrate breakfast can help manage your blood sugar levels. Recently, research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition stated that people with type 2 diabetes who followed a low-carb breakfast experienced an exceptional 74% decrease in the post-meal glucose level. They also experienced stable blood sugar throughout the day as compared to those who ate a standard low-fat breakfast.
This happens because when people with type 2 diabetes consume carbohydrates, a rapid increase in the blood sugar level takes place, especially in the morning. This can be brought under control by reducing the amount of carbohydrates in one meal a day, like breakfast, without making changes to the rest of the meal.
Notably, this study involved a 12-week trial with participants at two different sites during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was conducted to determine whether a low-carb breakfast contributes to better blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes as compared to a low-fat breakfast. Data was collected on the basis of the participant’s self-reported measurements, glucose monitoring, and dietary information.
The research was conducted on 127 individuals. After randomising, 60 participants were assigned to the low-carb breakfast group and 61 to the low-fat breakfast group. After 12 weeks (about 3 months), participants who followed a low-carb breakfast showed a slight decrease of around 0.3% in HbA1c levels. The difference in HbA1c levels between the two groups showed slight changes.
The study did not find any significant changes in BMI, weight, or waist circumference between the two groups. Besides, there were no major changes in physical activity levels or feelings of hunger or fullness. The findings suggested that a low-carb breakfast could be a simple dietary strategy to reduce overall calorie and carbohydrate intake. It can also help improve various measures of glucose control, as shown by continuous glucose monitoring, in people living with type 2 diabetes.
Popular Low-Carb Breakfasts Diabetes People Can Have:
If you’re suffering from type 2 diabetes and want to follow a low-carb breakfast that is filling and nutritious, there are several options for you. Take a look at some popular ones:
- Omlette
Whisk together two eggs with chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and spinach. Spread oil in a non-stick kadhai and put the mixture on it. Sprinkle some herbs and spices for added flavour. Your omelette is ready.
- Moong Dal Chilla
Blend the soaked moong dal in a blender to a fine batter. Add onions, green chillies, and coriander leaves. Cook the batter like a pancake on a non-stick pan with a little oil.
- Apple And Chia Seed Smoothie
Smoothies are delicious, fulfilling, and refreshing. Besides, it is a perfect summer option to not only weigh down your tummy but also make you full. To make this, add apple cubes, soaked chia seeds, and curd to the blender. Your smoothie is ready.
- Masala Oats
Cook rolled oats with water and add vegetables like carrots, peas, and bell pepper. Season with some spices like cumin, turmeric powder, and chilli powder.
- Boiled Eggs
This is one of the quickest and simplest recipes. All you need to do is boil eggs, peel them, and cut them open. Sprinkle some masala in it.