It is really common to find that blood glucose levels spike (rise) after eating breakfast. Foods high in sugar and low in fibre, such as chocolate cereals, cornflakes, krispies and white bread are digested to glucose very quickly, which causes glucose levels to rise very fast.
Weetabix is high in fibre, relatively low in sugar (for a cereal) and one of the more natural cereal choices available in supermarkets. If you have type 2 diabetes breakfast cereals made with wholegrains can help to manage blood glucose levels, they release glucose more slowly as they are low GI.
Many cereals are high in carbohydrates, which can cause blood glucose levels to rise. For this reason, it is advisable that people living with diabetes eat cereal and other high carb foods, such as pasta, less frequently.
“My favorite breakfast cereal recommendation for people with diabetes is a high-fiber, low-sugar option such as bran flakes,” says Palinski-Wade. With 5 grams of fiber per serving, this type of cereal contains 19 grams of net carbs per ¾ cup serving, making it lower in carbohydrates than many breakfast cereals.
Hot cereal, like oatmeal made with rolled or steel-cut oats or other whole grains, are high in fiber and have a low glycemic index (GI). This means that these carbs are digested and absorbed more slowly, thus they create a smaller incremental rise and fall in blood glucose (blood sugar).
Target blood sugar levels differ for everyone, but generally speaking: if you monitor yourself at home – a normal target is 4-7mmol/l before eating and under 8.5-9mmol/l two hours after a meal.
Since your body doesn't respond to insulin the same as most, your fasting blood sugar reading can go up, even if you follow a strict diet. The boost in sugar is your body's way of making sure you have enough energy to get up and start the day.
While fasting blood glucose could still be in the normal range, it is taking increasing amounts of insulin to keep it there. As insulin resistance develops, and insulin becomes increasingly ineffective to bring blood sugars down, blood sugars will eventually rise too high.
Blood sugar spikes are caused by a variety of factors, a main one being carbohydrates in the food and drinks you consume. Common symptoms of high blood sugar include increased thirst, frequent urination, constant hunger, and blurry vision.
Lead with protein
Scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausages are great to eat while you're waiting for that pre-bolus. Added bonus: the protein will help curb the spike too! This tip is well known from the book Sugar Surfing.
Milk. Switching to lower-fat milk, such as semi-skimmed milk (green top) from whole milk (blue top), which contains the most fat, is a good start. To make even more of a difference, try 1 per cent fat milk (orange top) or even better skimmed milk (red top).
The fibre in Weetabix can be a little harsh on the tummy of a very young baby and some parents have found that it can cause diarrhea and nappy/diaper rash.
Weetabix is predominately made from Wholegrain Wheat, which is rich in fibre, iron, and vitamin B6, as well as antioxidants. It has added sugar but it is a low amount, and it is also low in fat, saturated fat, and salt.
Weetabix is fortified with certain vitamins and minerals and if eaten to excess, then you could be taking in too much of these nutrients. We would recommend that an adult eats no more than four (4) Weetabix biscuits per day.
In general: Less than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L ) is normal. 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L ) is diagnosed as prediabetes. 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L ) or higher on two separate tests is diagnosed as diabetes.
The dawn phenomenon leads to high levels of blood sugar, a condition called hyperglycemia. It usually happens between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m.
People with diabetes should eat dinner between 8 and 9 pm. Eating close to bedtime or late at night must be avoided.
For most people without diabetes, normal blood sugar levels are: between 4 and to 6 mmol/L before meals. less than 8 mmol/L two hours after eating.
If you notice that your blood sugar levels are often high, (above 10mmol) you should contact your diabetes healthcare team. They will review your treatment and provide you with advice on how to get your blood sugar levels back within your target range. This advice may include increasing your medication.
Mild high blood sugar
If your blood sugar levels are consistently higher than your target range (usually 11 mmol/L to 20 mmol/L, and 11 mmol/L to 14 mmol/L in children), you may have mild symptoms of high blood sugar. You may urinate more than usual if you are drinking plenty of liquids.
Higher GI foods produce higher, faster rising blood sugar levels. Lower GI foods also help you to feel fuller for longer, which can help to control appetite and assist with weight management. Weetbix when eaten with milk has a GI of 47. It is acceptable to eat it as an alternative to rolled oats.
While there are myths that state those with diabetes should not consume dairy, these products, including cheese, can actually be beneficial when consumed in moderate amounts. Cheese, in particular, can actually be great at helping to manage blood sugar levels because of its low glycemic index.