In April 2019 researchers from Canada published the results of their study to assess whether restricting carbohydrates at breakfast would be a simple and feasible strategy to reduce daily exposure to postprandial (after meal) hyperglycemia. A total of 23 individuals with diabetes type 2, average age 59 years, were involved in the study. Each individual consumed either a very-low-carbohydrate high-fat breakfast or a breakfast that met the recommended dietary guidelines followed by the same lunch and dinner. Continuous glucose monitoring was used to assess postprandial glucose responses over 24 hours, and ratings were used to assess hunger and feeling full. Results showed that the very low-carbohydrate high-fat breakfast significantly reduced postprandial hyperglycemia after breakfast and had no impact on glycemia after lunch or dinner. It was also noted that premeal hunger was lower before dinner following the very-low-carbohydrate high-fat breakfast than the breakfast that met the recommended dietary guidelines.
Chang CR et al. Restricting carbohydrates at breakfast is sufficient to reduce 24-hour exposure to postprandial hyperglycemia and improve glycemic variability. Am J Clin Nutr. 2019 Apr 9. [Epub ahead of print]