Diabetes type 2: Dr Zoe Williams discusses high blood sugar risks

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Type 2 diabetes describes what happens when the secretion of insulin in the body is severely curtailed. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar – the main type of sugar in blood. As most know, breakfast is crucial for those suffering with the condition with one drink proven to keep blood sugars healthy throughout the day.

In a study published in Science Direct, consuming milk at breakfast helps to lower blood glucose throughout the day was further analysed.

A change in breakfast routine may provide benefits for the management of type 2 diabetes, according to the study.

The researchers found that milk consumed with breakfast cereal reduced postprandial blood glucose concentration compared with water, and high dairy protein concentration reduced postprandial blood glucose concentration compared with normal dairy protein concentration.

“The high-protein treatment also reduced appetite after the second meal compared with the low-protein equivalent,” noted the study.

According to Dr Douglas Goff, lead researcher of the study: “This confirms the importance of milk at breakfast time to aid in the slower digestion of carbohydrate and to help maintain lower blood sugar levels.

“Nutritionists have always stressed the importance of a healthy breakfast, and this study should encourage consumers to include milk.”

Selecting a type of milk might involve different considerations for people who already have type 2 diabetes.

Skim milk and low-fat milk are the best options for those with type 2 diabetes.

Skim milk contains roughly 91 calories, 0.61g of fat, 12g of carbohydrate and 9g of protein.

Switching to lower-fat milk, such as semi-skimmed milk from whole milk, which contains the most fat, is a good start, said Diabetes UK.

The health charity continued: “To make even more of a difference, try one percent fat milk (orange top) or even better skimmed milk (red top).

“Lower-fat milks have all the goodness of whole milk, including calcium, all you lose is the fat.”

Other healthy drink options to help lower blood sugars include:

Herbal tea

Unsweetened coffee

Vegetable juice

Milk alternatives

Green smoothie

Sugar-free lemonade

Kombucha.

A study in diabetic rats found that kombucha slowed down the digestion of carbohydrates, which reduced blood sugar levels.

It also improved liver and kidney function.

Kombucha made from green tea is likely to be even more beneficial, as green tea itself has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels.

Coffee, caffeinated or energy drinks and sodas are advised to reduce due to their impact on blood sugar levels.
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