Pt health life – A nutritious breakfast is very important. But choosing what to have for breakfast for people with diabetes is not simple. People with diabetes need to know how to choose foods that can meet the body’s energy needs and do not cause spikes in blood sugar.
1. Why is breakfast important for people with diabetes ?

Breakfast is a particularly important meal for health, because it provides nutrition and energy for a whole day of activities.
Breakfast is the first meal after a long night. If we skip breakfast, it can prolong the time the body is not provided with food, causing the body to lack the necessary energy and nutrients.
Some studies show that people who regularly skip breakfast are at risk of type 2 diabetes, increasing the rate of obesity due to insulin resistance and affecting hormone regulation.
Researchers also found a link between blood sugar levels and mood. When blood sugar levels drop, our mood will also be affected, making us easily tired, irritable and angry. So, to keep our energy levels balanced, we need to eat breakfast with healthy foods .
2. What should people with diabetes choose to eat for breakfast?
According to MSc. Nguyen Thu Yen, an Endocrinology – Diabetes expert, people with diabetes need to have a specific plan for breakfast to save time and avoid choosing foods that spike sugar levels in their blood. blood.
For diabetic patients, a breakfast providing about 20-30% of the total day’s nutrition is appropriate. The best breakfast for people with diabetes includes foods high in protein, low in carbs, high in fiber and healthy fats.
2.1. Foods rich in protein
Protein is a nutrient that helps build every cell in the body and is an excellent source of energy. For people with diabetes, eating protein-rich foods at breakfast will help provide energy, limit blood sugar increases and create a feeling of fullness for a long time.
Patients should choose lean protein sources from animals (such as meat, fish, eggs, milk…) and vegetable proteins (beans, nuts and seeds).
2.2. Foods low in carbohydrates
Starch is a quick source of energy, but for people with diabetes, improper use of carbohydrates can cause blood sugar levels to spike.
Eating a low-carb breakfast will minimize the glucose response, meaning blood sugar levels will be better balanced throughout the day.
People with diabetes need to limit foods made from refined grain products such as instant cereals, white bread, sticky rice, cakes, etc. Instead, they should choose complex starches that contain in whole grains, legumes…
2.3. Foods rich in fiber

Fiber is found in vegetables, fruits and whole grains. When we eat fiber, our bodies take longer to break down food. This can help maintain more stable blood sugar levels. Therefore, experts say that people with diabetes should be provided with more fiber than normal people to help control blood sugar levels.
In addition to whole grains, people with diabetes should add vegetables, fruits and fruits to breakfast to take advantage of the effectiveness of fiber.
2.4. Foods containing healthy fats
Our bodies need fat to maintain function. Fats provide energy for cells and fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, K… are only absorbed into the blood if there is enough fat as a solvent. Therefore, people with diabetes should not completely abstain from fat but should choose beneficial fats.
Research shows that healthy fats can help regulate blood sugar levels because they have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits that can help regulate metabolism and the body’s response to insulin.
Some food sources of healthy fats that are proven to be good for people with diabetes include: fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, mackerel, cod, herring, sardines, anchovies …; nuts, especially almonds and walnuts; Fats from avocados, olive oil…
Be careful to limit consumption of foods containing bad fats such as saturated fats (animal fat, chicken skin, butter, cream…); and trans fats in processed foods, fast foods, baked goods, fried foods…