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Different studies looked at different amounts of macro-nutrients, so you and your doctor need to experiment to see which works best for you. One of the commonly used ratios is approximately 50 percent protein, 30 percent healthy fats and 20 percent carbohydrates. However, some advisers recommend higher amounts of protein and very minimal amounts of carbohydrates with fats filling in the ratio.

It takes a little time to get the right amounts of macro-nutrients to ensure a big breakfast is beneficial for your blood sugar control.
If it is too high, you are eating too many carbohydrates for breakfast and need to cut back on them. It is best to remove some of the carbohydrates and replace them with proteins and fats because this combination provides long-lasting energy. Remove small amounts at a time until your blood sugar is hitting the levels that your doctor considers right for you.
High-protein breakfasts are not suitable for everyone
Despite the advantages of big protein-rich breakfasts or people with diabetes, there are concerns for the patients with a pre-existing kidney conditions. Kidneys are responsible for filtering out the wastes that are generated when proteins are ingested. Healthy kidneys have no problem filtering them out because they have millions of nephrons to do the work. However, the body of the patients with various kidney diseases is often unable to adequately remove this waste, and they get accumulated in the blood. The accumulation can get worse as kidney function decreases, resulting in higher levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen.
To reduce the buildup of waste products, the doctors usually recommend that the kidney disease patients reduce their protein intake so the kidneys can keep up with filtering out the waste. The ideal daily protein intake for someone with kidney disease varies from one patient to another. It is based on the stage of the kidney disease, body size and the overall nutritional status. Dieticians and doctors work together to help diabetic patients to get the right amount of macro-nutrients which would allow to maintain the blood sugar concentration on the right level and help in reducing the risk of further kidney damage.
See Also: Diabetic in a Fast Food Restaurant
The research study on the benefits of large protein-rich breakfasts is still considered to be preliminary. The study was short in duration, and the number of patients involved in the study was small. And although the results look promising, more research is necessary to ensure that all of the conclusions are valid and the approach can be safely used for the majority of diabetes sufferers.
Before making any dietary changes, all diabetes patients should speak to their doctor.
When changing the diet, some people may also require the dosage alterations with their diabetes medications, so always work with a doctor to ensure that all changes are safe and effective.
- Rabinovitz, H.R., et al. (2014). Big breakfast rich in protein and fat improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. Obesity 22(5): E46-54
- Wycherley, T.P., et al. (2012). Effects of energy-restricted high protein, low-fat compared with standard-protein, low-fat diets: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 96(6): 1281-98
- Martin, W.F., et al. (2005). Dietary protein intake and renal function. Nutrition & Metabolism. 2: 25.
- Photo courtesy of Lindsay Attaway on Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/lindsayloveshermac/7615226538
- Photo courtesy of Alpha on Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/avlxyz/3455066674
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