What Happens to Your Blood Sugar When You Skip a Meal?

Some people skip meals because they don’t have enough time. Others do it on purpose, hoping to lose weight or improve their health by improving things like blood sugar control. But what is the real impact of skipping a meal on your blood sugar? Some research suggests that intentional fasting can be beneficial, but in general, skipping meals, especially breakfast, can have a negative impact on blood sugar control.

Skipping breakfast can make it harder for your body to regulate blood sugar levels throughout the day. For example, a 2019 study of healthy young men found that skipping breakfast led to significantly higher blood sugar levels after lunch than when breakfast was eaten.

Skipping breakfast can impair glucose metabolism and cause abnormal blood sugar fluctuations. It has been shown to increase the risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. A 2020 study also found that skipping breakfast was associated with poor blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.

Skipping lunch or dinner also impacts blood sugar levels, but it doesn’t seem to have as big an effect as skipping breakfast.

Intentional fasting is different from meal skipping because it is a structured diet that involves refraining from consuming calories for a set period of time. When done correctly, Intermittent fasting may lead to improved blood sugar levels.

Early use of a time-restricted diet (TRF), which involves eating for a specific period of time and then fasting for the rest of the day, can improve blood sugar levels. Although some studies show that fasting diets in general may be more effective than standard diets in reducing blood sugar, other studies have shown that standard diets are just as effective.

Further research is needed to understand the impact of different fasting regimens on blood sugar and glycemic control.

If you’re concerned about managing your blood sugar, it’s best to speak with your doctor to develop a treatment plan based on your specific needs. Although skipping meals every now and then doesn’t have a significant impact on blood sugar levels, it’s best to stick to a consistent eating schedule if possible, especially if you have diabetes.

Here are some tips that can help you:

• Eat a breakfast rich in protein and fiber: Starting your day with a hearty, blood sugar-friendly breakfast can contribute to healthy blood sugar control.
• Pair carbohydrates with protein and fiber: Protein and fiber help slow digestion, which can keep blood sugar levels stable throughout the day.
• Have consistent daily eating habits: Some research suggests that an eating period of less than 12 hours per day is best for overall health, including blood sugar regulation.
• Avoid eating close to bedtime: Eating late at night is linked to poor blood sugar control and an increased risk of health problems, such as diabetes.

If you’d like to try an intermittent fasting diet to improve your blood sugar, talk to your doctor.

Problems with blood sugar regulation can lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), which can trigger a number of symptoms, some of which can be serious. Here are some symptoms to watch for:

• Tremors and weakness
• Heart palpitations
• Cold sweats or excessive sweating
• Be very hungry
• Nervousness or anxiety
• Confusion or unusual behavior
• Headaches or dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Troubled speech
• Drowsiness
• Extreme thirst and urination

In severe cases, very low blood sugar can lead to seizures, loss of consciousness, coma and death. If you experience any of these symptoms or are concerned about problems with blood sugar regulation, it is important to make an appointment with a healthcare professional immediately.