Does a healthy breakfast decrease the risk of diabetes?

Does a healthy breakfast decrease the risk of diabetes?

Tuesday, 9 December 2014

IAPO Chair Elect Jolanta Bilinska recently represented IAPO at World Diabetes Day 2014. She shared her experiences with us.

On 14 November 2014 I had the privilege of representing IAPO during a panel session about the importance of breakfast on World Diabetes Day in Brussels. The topic of this meeting was ‘Off to the right start’. There were many guests invited: policy makers, health authorities, NGOs, parliamentary members, scientists and people interested in diabetes. Dr Petra Wilson, CEO of the International Diabetes Federation, was the moderator of this event.   

400 million people live with diabetes

Sir Michael Hirst, President of IDF, said that 400 million people live with diabetes. He also said that the majority of costs relating to diabetes are spent on treating complications – many of which can be prevented through early diagnosis and proper management. Over 70% of type 2 diabetes cases can be prevented or delayed by adopting healthier lifestyles, equivalent to up to 150 million cases by 2035.  

IAPO chair elect Jolanta Bilinska speaks at International Diabetes Day event

The importance of breakfast

This event asked three main questions: which breakfasts can help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes? Which breakfasts can help to effectively manage diabetes? And how can we ensure access to a healthy breakfast?

All experts said that eating a healthy breakfast helps decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It helps to control appetite and blood glucose concentration in both adults and children. A healthy diet containing leafy vegetables, fresh fruit, whole grains, lean meat, fish and nuts can help reduce a person's risk of type 2 diabetes and avoid complications in people with diabetes. 

The event closed with a healthy breakfast – a great end to the meeting!  

Our approach to diabetes and NCDs

IAPO sees diabetes in the context of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This is a huge global challenge. NCDs account for over 63% of all deaths. They entrench people in poverty and are a major threat to development and economic wellbeing. We call for action to prevent and manage all chronic diseases, and call for patient involvement at every level of this.

Photos courtesy of IDF.