Skipping breakfast is considered an unhealthy behavior and has been associated with an increased risk of diabetes and poor glycemic control in people with diabetes. Little is known regarding the impact of breakfast skipping on daily energy and nutrient intakes, as well as at eating occasions in people with versus without diabetes. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (2005-16), and hemoglobin A1c data, were used to examine differences in dietary intakes of those who self-reported consuming or skipping breakfast. Adults over 30 years (n=23708) were stratified using A1c values into diabetes status: <5.7% (nondiabetes, n=14841); 5.7-6.4% (prediabetes, n=5923); ≥6.5% (diabetes, n=2944). Mean dietary intakes were calculated from the total daily intake, including snacking occasions across diabetes status for those consuming or skipping breakfast. Data analyses were weighted to create a nationally representative sample. The rate of breakfast skipping was similar across diabetes status (10.6-12%). Overall, mean intakes of energy, carbohydrates and added sugars were lower in adults with diabetes, yet were greater in those who skipped breakfast. Those with nondiabetes and prediabetes who skipped breakfast had lower mean intakes of energy, protein, and saturated fat, yet the total intakes were higher in adults with diabetes. Mean intakes of added sugars were higher in adults who skipped breakfast, with adults with diabetes consuming 25% more added sugars if they skipped breakfast. For those that skipped breakfast, higher mean intakes of energy, carbohydrates, saturated fat, refined grains and added sugar from snacks were observed. For people with diabetes, skipping breakfast was associated with poorer total daily dietary intakes, especially the percent of energy from added sugars. Breakfast skippers consumed snacks with more energy, carbohydrate and sugar. These data suggest skipping breakfast has a negative relation to overall dietary intakes for people with diabetes.

Disclosure

O. Kelly: Employee; Self; Abbott. Employee; Spouse/Partner; Abbott. S.M. Fanelli: None. J.L. Krok-Schoen: None. C.A. Taylor: Consultant; Self; Abbott Laboratories. Research Support; Self; Abbott Laboratories. Other Relationship; Self; Elsevier.

Funding

Abbott Nutrition

© 2019 by the American Diabetes Association.
2019
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