Researchers, led by UBC Okanagan academics, find that people with Type 2 diabetes can improve
blood sugar control through a simple change in their breakfast.
People with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) may be able to better control their blood sugar levels bymaking
a small adjustment to the first meal of the day, according to an international team of researchers
led by UBC Okanagan academics.
People with T2D can benefit from switching from a traditional western-style low-fat breakfast like
oatmeal, toast and fruit (Pexels )
In the UBCO Faculty of Health and Social Development, Dr. Barbara Oliveira collaborates on
research projects with Dr. Jonathan Little's Exercise, Metabolism and Inflammation Lab. Their
most recent research, which was just published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,
supports the idea that people with T2D can benefit from switching from a traditional western-style
low-fat breakfast like oatmeal, toast and fruit to a low-carb meal higher in protein and fat, like
eggs with bacon or cheese.
In fact, changing just one meal helped keep the blood sugar in check. "We're not talking about a
complete diet overhaul," says Dr. Oliveira. "One of many complications for people living with
T2D is rapid or large increases in blood glucose levels after a meal. Our research indicates a lowcarbohydrate
meal, first thing in the morning, seems to help control blood sugar throughout the
day."
Controlling glucose levels is critical for reducing the complications of T2D including
inflammation and cardiovascular disease--the major cause of morbidity in patients with T2D.
"Treatment strategies that can help lower post-meal glucose swings and rapid changes in glucose
are crucial to managing this condition," she adds. "We've determined that if the first meal of the
day is low-carb and higher in protein and fat we can limit hyperglycemic swings."
Low-carb diets have become trendy in recent years and have been recognized as a dietary strategy
to improve glucose control, Dr. Oliveira explains. However, similar to all diets, it's tough to follow,
especially long term. Instead of asking patients to commit to every meal being low-carb, she and
Dr. Little examined the idea of making just the first meal of the day low-carb to see how that
impacts diet adherence, and more importantly, blood glucose levels.
Their 12-week study had 121 participants split into two groups. One was advised to eat from a
selection of low-carb breakfasts containing approximate amounts of 8g of carbohydrate, 25g of
protein and 37g of fat while the other was advised to eat from a selection of low-fat higher-carb
options containing about 56g of carbohydrates, 20g of protein and 15g of fat. All the breakfast
options in both groups provided 450 calories. Participants had a variety of breakfast choices and
were required to upload a photo of their meal, which was reviewed by a study dietitian to confirm
compliance.
All participants were provided with a continuous glucose monitoring device they wore throughout
the study and also undertook A1C blood tests, before and after the 12 weeks, to measure their
average blood sugar levels. They also measured their weight and waist circumference at the
beginning and end of the trial. As the study continued they reported feelings of satiety, energy and
activity levels.
Dr. Oliveira notes while there were no significant differences between the low-carb and other
group for weight, body mass index or waist circumference, the low-carb group did see a reduction
in blood sugar levels and some were able to reduce their glucose-loweringmedication. The upward
and downward swings in blood glucose levels, known as glycemic variability, with the low-carb
group was also significantly lower, suggesting the benefits of a low-carbohydrate breakfast for
stabilizing blood sugars throughout the day.
One additional interesting finding was that people who had the low-carb breakfast self-reported
lower calorie and carbohydrate intake at lunch and during the remainder of the day. This could
suggest that a breakfast rich in fat and protein, while lower in carbs, can impact daily eating habits.
"Having fewer carbs for breakfast not only aligns better with how people with T2D handle glucose
throughout the day, but it also has incredible potential for people with T2D who struggle with their
glucose levels in the morning," she adds. "By making a small adjustment to the carb content of a
single meal rather than the entire diet, we have the potential to increase adherence significantly
while still obtaining significant benefits."
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