Big Breakfast Helps Type 2 Diabetics Control Blood Sugar

A research has found that a heavy breakfast rich in proteins and fats is more efficient in cutting down blood sugar levels as well as blood pressure for type 2 diabetics, in comparison to small breakfasts.  

The study was conducted by the researchers of Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The scientists tested 59 people. They were divided into two groups. One was given a big breakfast and the other group was given a small one. It was observed that the group that was served small portions ended up overeating during the day.

"As the study progressed, we found that hunger scores increased significantly in the small breakfast group while satiety scores increased in the big breakfast group," study co-author Dr. Hadas Rabinovitz, said in a news release, according to a report by Medical Daily.

 "In addition, the big breakfast group reported a reduced urge to eat and a less preoccupation with food, while the small breakfast group had increased preoccupation with food and a greater urge to eat over time," Dr. Rabinovitz said further.

Out of the 59 participants, 29 were given big breakfast consisting of 37 percent fats and 30 percent proteins, which provided them 33 percent of their daily calories in their morning meals, according to a report. On the other hand, the remaining 30 participants, who were given smaller breakfasts consumed 12.5 percent of their daily calories, with carbohydrates being the source of 70 percent of calories they consumed.

"We know when you eat carbohydrates, they can elevate blood sugar within 15 minutes to an hour," stated Vandana Sheth, a spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

"Protein takes longer to convert into glucose, as long as three hours, and not all of it goes to glucose. Some of it is used to repair muscle, for example. So it's not a direct effect - 100 percent of the carbs you eat convert to glucose, while only a portion of protein you eat converts to glucose," Sheth added.