Debunking Common Myths About Mornings and Diabetes
There is a lot of information out there, and it’s easy to come across well-meaning but incorrect advice. Let’s clear up a few common myths about bad morning routines for seniors with diabetes.
Myth 1: If my blood sugar is high in the morning, I should skip breakfast to bring it down.
Fact: This is a very common but counterproductive idea. As we discussed, skipping breakfast can lead to bigger blood sugar swings later in the day. A balanced meal containing protein and fiber can actually help stabilize your blood sugar. Your body needs fuel to function properly, and providing it in a controlled, healthy way is far better than depriving it.
Myth 2: A glass of fruit juice is a healthy start to the day for a person with diabetes.
Fact: While fruit itself contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals, fruit juice is a different story. The juicing process removes nearly all the beneficial fiber, leaving you with a concentrated source of sugar (fructose). Drinking it causes a very rapid spike in blood sugar, similar to drinking a sugary soda. It is much better to eat a whole piece of fruit, like a small apple or a handful of berries, which provides fiber to slow down sugar absorption.
Myth 3: As long as I take my diabetes medication, I can eat whatever I want for breakfast.
Fact: Medication is a vital tool, but it is not a free pass. It is designed to work with healthy lifestyle choices, not in place of them. Think of diet, exercise, and medication as three legs of a stool—you need all three for stability. A high-sugar breakfast can still overwhelm the effects of your medication, leading to high blood sugar and making your condition harder to manage over the long term.
