Fact Check: Can skipping breakfast reverse type-2 diabetes? Here’s the truth
An Instagram video claims consuming chia seeds or eggs in the morning or skipping breakfast entirely can reverse diabetes
By Neelambaran A Published on 13 Dec 2024 10:15 AM IST
Claim: An Instagram video claims type-2 diabetes can be reversed by consuming chia seeds pudding or scrambled eggs in the morning or skipping breakfast entirely.
Fact: Despite the medical benefits of the recipes, reversing type-2 diabetes requires a strict diet, weight loss and medications.
An Instagram video has gone viral with breakfast recipes allegedly capable of reversing type-2 diabetes.
A person in the video makes three suggestions: consume a chia seeds pudding, eggs in any form or skip breakfast entirely. The person claims that these options will increase insulin resistance and reverse type-2 diabetes.
Fact Check
NewsMeter found that the claim is misleading.
Dr G Sandeep Reddy, consultant endocrinologist, Kamineni Hospitals, LB Nagar, said, “Changing the breakfast alone may not help reverse type-2 diabetes. Managing the overall intake of calories is important. Healthy foods should be included in lunch and dinner. Diabetes reversal depends on a number of factors and modifying breakfast alone won’t help entirely.”
Further diabetes reversal is not possible for all individuals, while weight loss, improved physical fitness and a strict diet besides medications are required to accomplish the task.
“Diabetes reversal is possible only in obese individuals and only for some types of type-2 diabetes. Diabetes reversal is achieved by at least 15 per cent of weight loss and requires strict diet control and exercise, not simply by changing breakfast. The main goal of diabetes management is to prevent long-term complications, rather than focusing solely on diabetes reversal,” Dr Sandeep added.
The breakfast types suggested in the video, including skipping breakfast, have some medicinal benefits, but they are not the one-stop solution for reversing diabetes.
Benefits of recipes
Chia seeds can be a beneficial addition to a diabetes management plan due to their high fibre and nutrient content.
Dr Sandeep explained the benefits of chia seeds in the fight to reverse diabetes. “Chia seeds are rich in soluble fibre, which can help slow down digestion and the absorption of carbohydrates, leading to more stable blood sugar levels while the high fibre content in chia seeds can help you feel fuller for longer, reducing overall calorie intake and aiding in weight loss, crucial for managing diabetes,” he said.
Essential nutrients in chia seeds like Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, calcium, magnesium and antioxidants contribute to overall health and the fibre in chia seeds supports healthy digestion and can help prevent constipation, which is important for people with diabetes.
“Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health, which is particularly important for individuals with diabetes who are at higher risk for cardiovascular issues,” Dr Sandeep said.
Eggs can be a beneficial part of a diabetes management plan due to their high protein content and other nutrients. Eggs are low in carbohydrates and high in protein, which can help stabilise blood sugar levels and the presence of vitamin A, vitamin D, antioxidants, potassium and biotin, which contribute to overall health.
“Pairing eggs with high-fibre foods like whole grains and vegetables can enhance their benefits and the high protein content in eggs can help with weight management by promoting satiety and reducing overall calorie intake. Skipping breakfast, called intermittent fasting, might help to reverse the Diabetes Mellitus since it could lead to weight loss,” Dr Sandeep added.
