title: Do all patients with type 2 diabetes need breakfast?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate if an improved daily glycemic profile could be achieved in patients with type 2 diabetes by withholding breakfast, but maintaining the same total daily intake of calorie and the same composition of carbohydrates, fat and protein.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirteen type 2 diabetic patients participated in this randomized crossover study. Following an initial fasting night the study consisted of 4 consecutive days. Patients were randomized to diets including breakfast days 1 and 3, and excluding breakfast days 2 and 4, or vice versa.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean plasma glucose level was 0.24 mmol/l higher after the breakfast diet compared with the non-breakfast diet, but reflected only a tendency (P=0.066). The standard deviation based on plasma glucose was 32% higher after the breakfast diet compared with the non-breakfast diet (P<0.0001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Not all patients with type 2 diabetes may need breakfast. Moreover, a non-breakfast diet reduces glycemic variability.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark. tparkner@dadlnet.dk
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Parkner
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Nielsen
authors.forename: T D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Sandahl
authors.forename: B M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Bibby
authors.forename: B S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Jensen
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Christiansen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D002149:Energy Intake; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005508:Food Deprivation; D038321:Glycemic Index; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose