Breakfast is important for a Type 2 diabetic because it helps with proper blood sugar control and provides the body with energy for the day ahead. A proper breakfast includes a healthy carbohydrate and protein source. Meal timing, correct portion sizes and healthy food choices are the keys to controlling blood sugar levels.
Importance of Breakfast
We all know the saying "breakfast is the most important meal of the day," but for diabetics, it is even more important than for most. The longer a diabetic goes without eating, the harder it is to control his/her blood sugar levels. In the morning, blood sugar levels are low based on having fasted over night. Although breakfast will raise blood sugar levels, it will help maintain control throughout the day.
Food Do's and Don'ts
Diabetics need to eat the correct foods at the beginning of the day. Foods that diabetics should avoid in general are those that are high in refined sugar, low in fiber and high in fat and calories. Refined carbohydrates spike blood sugar levels quickly and keep them at higher levels throughout the day. Breakfast foods that diabetics should avoid include high sugar cereals, pastries, doughnuts, pancakes/waffles with syrup, fruit juices and coffee drinks high in sugar. However, carbohydrates are an important part of a balanced diet and should not be avoided. Complex carbohydrate breakfasts, such as steel-cut oatmeal, provide energy and are involved in metabolic processes.
Breakfast Meal Planning
Protein is an important component of a diabetic's breakfast. Good sources of protein include egg whites, turkey bacon or sausage, low-fat cheese, nuts and/or peanut butter and skim milk. A fruit can be included in a diabetic's breakfast, but you must eat the correct portion, which is usually 1/2 to 3/4 cup of berries or a half of a banana. Diabetics should be careful about caffeine intake. Limit caffeinated coffee/tea to onecup per day and then switch to decaffeinated coffee/tea or water. You should eat your next meal 3 to 4 hours after eating breakfast because your food will be digested and metabolized and blood sugar levels can drop too low. A combination of high fiber, high protein foods will provide better control and less spikes than low protein, high sugar foods.
Benefits of Proper Breakfast Choices
Eating breakfast every morning and making proper choices have many benefits. People who eat breakfast tend to weigh less than people who do not. Skipping meals leads to overeating and weight gain. Also, eating a breakfast rich in whole grains and lean protein can protect against heart disease -- a major concern for diabetics. Choosing healthy breakfast foods and timing your meals correctly can prevent having uncontrolled blood sugar levels, either high or low, during the day. Extended periods of proper blood sugar control results in lower hemoglobin A1C scores, weight loss, increased energy and overall better health.
