Skipping breakfast can set off a cascade of physiological and psychological effects, complicating blood sugar management and increasing the risk of long-term complications. (Source: Pexels)
For those with diabetes, breakfast isn't just the most essential meal. It’s critical to maintaining balanced blood sugar levels and supporting overall health. Skipping breakfast can create a cascade of physiological and psychological effects, complicating blood sugar management and increasing the risk of long-term complications.
Despite the morning rush or fasting trends, understanding the significant impact of missing breakfast is crucial for long-term health and well-being, said Kanikka Malhotra, consultant dietician and diabetes educator.
Skipping breakfast can cause elevated blood sugar levels, or hyperglycemia, later in the day. This is because the body undergoes prolonged fasting overnight. When the morning meal is missed, subsequent meals can provoke a more robust glucose response, leading to spiked postprandial (after-meal) blood sugar levels. Over time, this pattern exacerbates glycaemic variability, a challenge for individuals aiming to stabilise their blood sugar.
Insulin resistance, a hallmark of type 2 diabetes, hinders the body’s ability to use insulin effectively. Studies suggest that skipping breakfast can aggravate insulin resistance, making glucose regulation even more challenging, Malhotra said.
This condition, if persistent, can accelerate diabetes progression and elevate the risk of associated complications like heart disease.
To optimise blood sugar control, individuals with diabetes should prioritise a well-balanced breakfast (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Regularly missing breakfast has broader implications, according to Malhotra. Chronic high blood sugar levels increase the risk of:
Breakfast provides a vital opportunity to consume nutrients like fibre, protein, and healthy fats, which stabilise blood sugar levels, Malhotra explained.
Skipping this meal often leads to more significant meal portions or poor food choices later in the day, disrupting metabolic function and contributing to weight gain—an additional risk factor for diabetes-related complications.
The effects aren’t just physical. According to Malhotra, missing breakfast can cause:
To optimise blood sugar control, individuals with diabetes should prioritise a well-balanced breakfast, Malhotra said. Here’s what to include:
Avoid processed or sugary items that can cause rapid glucose spikes and disrupt metabolism.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
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2025-01-17T03:38:45Z