Researchers at New York’s Weill Cornell Medical College have discovered that the order in which you eat your food can have a significant impact on your glucose levels after the meal.
The study looked at 11 participants, all of whom were obese, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and taking medication to help manage their blood glucose levels. They were all asked to eat the same meals, but in varying orders and one week apart, so that researchers could clearly see the impact on their blood sugar levels. The meals consisted of foods found in an average dinner: ciabatta bread; a chicken breast; salad with lettuce, tomato, and low-fat dressing; steamed broccoli with a bit of butter; and orange juice.
Glucose levels were first checked in the morning (about 12 hours after their last meal) followed by 30 minutes, one hour, and two hours after eating. Researchers discovered that when participants ate the vegetables and protein before eating the carbs, their glucose levels measured 29% lower at the 30-minute mark, 37% lower at the one-hour mark, and 17% lower at the two-hour checkpoint, compared to when they ate the carbs first.
The study shows that individuals with type 2 diabetes need to be especially vigilant after eating to ensure blood sugar levels remain within a normal range, as spikes can lead to serious complications.
These findings offer a new way for diabetic patients to control their blood sugar levels. Rather than eliminating foods, diabetics can better manage their health simply by changing the order of items in a meal.
This research may also lead to a reduced need for insulin and medications.
Source for Today’s News:
McNamee, D., “Eat protein before carbohydrates to lower post-meal glucose,” Medical News Today web site, June 25, 2015; http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/295901.php.