Lowering Carbohydrates Consumption At Breakfast may improve Blood Glucose Control In Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes affects millions of people worldwide and is characterized by the body's inability to process blood sugar effectively. While there is no cure for this chronic condition, lifestyle changes, including dietary modifications, can play a crucial role in managing blood sugar levels. A recent study published in The American Journal Of Clinical Nutritionconducted by researchers from The University of British Columbia has shed light on the potential benefits of cutting carbohydrates from breakfast to improve blood sugar control throughout the day for individuals with type 2 diabetes.

The study conducted by Barbara F. Oliveira and team, a parallel-group randomized controlled trial, included 121 participants with type 2 diabetes. The researchers compared the effects of a low-carbohydrate (LC) breakfast with a standard low-fat control (CTL), breakfast over a period of 12 weeks. The primary outcome measured was the change in HbA1c, a marker of long-term blood sugar control. Additionally, continuous glucose monitoring, self-reported anthropometrics, and dietary information were collected and analyzed.

● The study included 121 participants with type 2 diabetes, of whom 53% were women, and the average age was 64 years.

● In the study involving 121 participants with type 2 diabetes, a low-carbohydrate (LC) breakfast led to a reduction in HbA1c levels by -0.3% (95% CI: -0.4%, -0.1%) after 12 weeks.

● The between-group difference in HbA1c was of borderline statistical significance (-0.2; 95% CI: -0.4, 0.0; P = 0.06).

● The LC group reported lower self-reported total daily energy (-242 kcal; 95% CI: -460, -24 kcal; P = 0.03) and carbohydrate intake (-73 g; 95% CI: -101, -44 g; P < 0.01).

● The LC group exhibited significantly lower mean and maximum glucose levels, decreased area under the curve, reduced glycemic variability, lower standard deviation, and spent less time above the desired glucose range.

● They spent more time within the target glucose range compared to the control group (all P < 0.05).

The findings from this study suggest that incorporating a low-carbohydrate breakfast into the dietary management of type 2 diabetes can be a simple and effective strategy for controlling blood sugar levels. By reducing overall energy and carbohydrate intake, individuals with type 2 diabetes may experience improved glycemic control throughout the day. This dietary approach holds promise as a complementary strategy alongside other lifestyle modifications for managing type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes management requires a multifaceted approach, and diet plays a crucial role in maintaining blood sugar control. The recent study from The University of British Columbia suggests that cutting carbohydrates from breakfast may offer significant benefits for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Incorporating a low-carbohydrate breakfast can potentially reduce overall energy and carbohydrate intake and improve various markers of blood sugar control. As further research continues to unfold, healthcare professionals and individuals living with type 2 diabetes may consider exploring this dietary strategy to enhance their diabetes management efforts.

Reference:

Oliveira, B. F., Chang, C. R., Oetsch, K., Falkenhain, K., Crampton, K., Stork, M., Hoonjan, M., Elliott, T., Francois, M. E., & Little, J. P. (2023). Impact of a low-carbohydrate versus low-fat breakfast on blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes: a randomized trial. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.04.032.