If not properly treated, diabetes can lead to serious medical complications including heart disease, strokes, nerve damage, kidney problems and loss of vision.
However, it can be controlled by taking medication and by making changes to your lifestyle.
Many breakfast choices are high in sugar or fat, which are not recommended for diabetes sufferers.
“A healthy, satisfying breakfast can make a big difference. But some traditional breakfast foods are packed with sugar and fats,” said Diabetes UK.
Here are eight breakfast swaps, recommended by the diabetes charity, you could try in order to lower your intake of sugar and fat.
Swap cereal for porridge or muesli
Breakfast cereal is often high in both sugar and fat, whereas porridge and muesli are not. Just be sure to avoid porridge with added sugar, honey or golden syrup. For sweetness, you can add chopped fruit.
Make your own flavoured yoghurt
Many low-fat yoghurts sold in supermarkets are high in sugar. Instead, you could make your own flavoured yoghurt by adding fresh fruit or nuts to low-fat, plain, Greek natural yoghurt.
Swap white bread for wholegrain bread
Processed white bread can contain a lot of sugar, so instead use multi-seed, granary or soya bread for your toast.
Swap jam for mashed fruit
Jam is obviously very high in sugar, so you can swap it for a pure fruit spread or mashed fruit, such as banana. Low-fat or cottage cheese is another alternative.
Swap a fried breakfast for a grilled breakfast
Fried bacon and sausages contain a lot of calories and fat, so you should try grilling your cooked breakfast instead. Try to avoid red meat and replace it with oily fish, such as kippers. Scramble your eggs instead of frying.
Swap whole milk for semi-skimmed or skimmed
Switching from whole milk to skimmed milk can save you 164 calories and 19.8 grammes of fat per pint – the equivalent of four chocolate digestive biscuits, according to Diabetes UK.
Make your own juice
Shop-bought pure fruit juice often has all the fibre removed, so instead you could try blending fruit together yourself.
Swap cereal bars for fruit and nuts
Cereal bars aren’t always as healthy as they appear to be, so replace these with fresh fruit and a handful of nuts.
