What Is a Good Diabetic Breakfast?

Eating breakfast is important in the management of diabetes. A good diabetic breakfast is one that provides optimal nutrition, low carbohydrates and sugars, and a good source of soluble fibers.

Soluble Fibers

• Soluble fibers are known to have an effect on diabetes, because they easily break down for use by the body. They work by binding to fatty acids and by slowing down the stomach digestion to regulate sugar absorption. A good balance of insoluble and soluble fibers are present in many natural food sources.

Expert Insight

• A scientific study at The University of Texas concluded that more soluble fiber consumption lowers hyperinsulinemia and plasma lipids (fats), as well as increases the control over the rate that carbohydrates are converted into sugar.

Fruits and Vegetables

• Good breakfast sources of soluble fibers include apples, berries, grapefruit, carrots, squash and other fruits and vegetables.

Cereals

• Oatmeal and barley are also good breakfast choices. Enjoy oatmeal hot or as granola. Barley may be steamed or boiled, then blended with water to make a creamy breakfast cereal.

Considerations

• Others recommend breakfast meals with eggs, milk, meat and bread, because of their low carbohydrate content. However, these meals are often lacking the necessary fibers and nutrients from fresh fruits and vegetables, and they should be eaten in moderation.

Drinks

• Drinking water with lemon or grapefruit juice is a healthy compliment to a good diabetic breakfast. There are many healthy drink choices available that do not cause blood sugar levels to spike.