Khaberni - Most diabetic patients recognize how certain foods, especially those containing carbohydrates, affect their blood sugar levels. However, what many may not realize is that the timing of meals plays a vital role in controlling blood sugar for these patients.
Why is meal timing important for diabetics?
According to "Health" science website, having main meals and snacks at the same time every day with a consistent amount of carbohydrates is essential for maintaining stable energy levels and controlling blood sugar levels in diabetics.
Regular meal consumption is particularly important for patients who are on traditional insulin therapy or oral medications that lower blood sugar, such as meglitinides and sulfonylureas; skipping main meals or snacks while on these treatment regimens can expose a person to the risk of low blood sugar levels.
Not only does low blood sugar lead to trembling, sweating, dizziness, and hunger; if it happens frequently, the extra calories needed to counter this drop may eventually lead to weight gain.
Skipping meals can also lead to overeating later in the day, which can cause a sudden increase in blood sugar levels.
Low blood sugar may occur at any time of the day. However, people who do not eat regular meals and snacks throughout the day are more susceptible to experiencing low blood sugar at night.
This condition is known as nocturnal hypoglycemia.
Nocturnal hypoglycemia can be a potential danger; because you may not realize it is happening, which puts you at significant risk.
The best meal timing for diabetics
Breakfast
Most experts agree that consuming a healthy breakfast immediately after waking up benefits diabetics.
The role of a balanced breakfast isn't just to feel full throughout the day; it also helps control blood sugar levels.
Eating a larger breakfast followed by smaller meals at lunch and dinner is associated with weight loss and lower blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients.
On the other hand, skipping breakfast is linked to higher blood sugar levels and weight gain.
For instance, one study on adults with type 1 diabetes found that skipping breakfast raises blood sugar levels during the afternoon and evening.
Another study linked skipping breakfast to obesity in type 2 diabetes patients. Weight gain or obesity increases the risk of other chronic diseases, such as heart disease and stroke.
Lunch and Dinner
Past studies and research have found the best time for diabetic patients to have lunch is between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.
As for dinner, it should be eaten more than 3 hours before bedtime.
One study that was conducted on a number of type 2 diabetes patients found that having dinner two hours before bedtime is associated with obesity and poor blood sugar level control.
It is generally advised to have both lunch and dinner balanced with the same amount of carbohydrates daily, to maintain stable blood sugar and energy levels.
Snacks
Diabetics should eat two light meals about two to three hours after having main meals daily, to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
If you are at risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia, having a light snack before going to sleep can help prevent significant drops in blood sugar levels during the night.
