Omelet for Breakfast? A Better Choice for Diabetics

A new study published in the prestigious American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a breakfast high in protein and low in carbohydrates can help balance blood sugar levels throughout the day in people with type 2 diabetes.

Breakfast is the "problematic" meal that causes the sharpest rise in blood sugar levels among people with type 2 diabetes. This is due to insulin resistance, which is more pronounced in the morning. Additionally, the typical Western breakfast consisting of cereals, oatmeal, toast, and fruit is high in carbohydrates and calories, contributing to elevated sugar levels.

In the study, people with well-managed type 2 diabetes were observed over two experimental days. On the first day, they ate an omelet for breakfast, and on the second day, they had oatmeal and fruit. Lunch and dinner were the same on both days. A continuous glucose monitor was used to check blood sugar levels every five minutes, providing information on trends. Besides the objective measurements, participants also reported on their feelings of hunger and fullness during the day, and their cravings for sweets or spicy foods.

It was found that consuming a breakfast high in protein and low in carbohydrates and calories completely prevented the sharp post-breakfast rise in blood sugar. This had enough impact on blood sugar levels throughout the day and on their stability over the next 24 hours. Moreover, the participants who consumed a low-carb, low-calorie breakfast reported reduced hunger during the day and a decrease in cravings for sweet snacks. Thus, adopting this type of meal can be an important step towards better blood sugar level management for diabetics, consequently reducing the risk of developing diabetes complications. In fact, the study showed that eating low-carb, high-protein foods in the morning is a simple and tasty way to prevent sharp blood sugar spikes and improve glycemic control throughout the day.

Adopting the habit of consuming a low-carb, high-protein breakfast can be a practical and easy way for type 2 diabetics to prevent the sharp rise in blood sugar levels post-breakfast, thereby reducing the risk of developing diabetes complications. Furthermore, it is recommended that type 2 diabetics use a continuous glucose monitor to understand how different foods and activities individually affect their sugar levels and prevent sharp fluctuations.

Dina Roytman is a clinical dietitian at the DMC Diabetes Treatment Center.