We know that type 2 diabetes is running rampant in the world. Millions of folks either have pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes. We also talk about the importance of breakfast. So, are the two connected – type 2 diabetes and eating breakfast? A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests YES!
The study included 29,000 men who were followed for 16 years. Researchers tracked diets, exercise habits and disease rates.
- The results: skipping breakfast = 21% higher risk of developing diabetes.
Why would breakfast reduce type 2 diabetes risk? Researchers believethat perhaps…
- Eating breakfast first thing may help stabilize blood glucose levels.
- Skipping breakfast can result in “make-up” eating later in the day with glucose spikes, and an overworking pancreas trying to keep up by producing more insulin. Phew! It gets pooped and wears out!
Don’t fret. Breakfast is as easy as 1-2-3:
- Protein – eggs; nuts and nut butters; reduced-fat milk, cheese and yogurt; turkey bacon.
- Starch – whole-grain cereal, bread, tortilla and English muffins; potatoes, dried beans.
- Fruit – fresh, frozen or light-packed canned.
Easy ideas to make breaskfast happen:
- Grilled cheese sandwich on whole-grain bread
- Peanut butter and banana slices on English muffin
- Frozen blackberries on oatmeal
- Hearty chicken and wild rice soup (why not?)
- Baked potato with reduced-fat cheese
