Actor Aishwarya Sakhuja, a type 1 diabetic, highlights hidden blood sugar triggers

Don’t skip breakfast (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Does skipping breakfast really impact blood sugar?

For many people, regularly skipping breakfast can increase hunger later in the day, making overeating more likely. Dr Ghody noted that long gaps between meals may also trigger stress hormones, prompting the liver to release stored glucose. The effect differs from person to person, but sticking to a consistent eating pattern generally helps improve metabolic health.

Why are liquid calories seen as problematic?

Dr Ghody said that sugary drinks, fruit juices, specialty coffees, and some packaged smoothies are absorbed quickly because they need little digestion. “This can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar without offering the same feeling of fullness as whole foods. Many people consume more sugar from drinks than they realise,” said Dr Ghody.

Is there a connection between gum health and diabetes?

There is a well-established two-way relationship. “Gum disease causes chronic inflammation in the body, which can make blood sugar management harder. At the same time, high blood sugar can raise the risk of dental and gum issues. Good oral hygiene should be part of overall diabetes prevention and care,” said Dr Ghody.

 

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What about stress and “sugar-free” foods?

Stress releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can raise blood glucose levels, even in people without diabetes. Regarding sugar-free products, consumers should look beyond the front label.

“Many still contain carbohydrates, starches, or sugar substitutes that can affect blood sugar. Reading the nutritional facts is often more helpful than trusting marketing claims,” said Dr Ghody.