Diabetic? Then eat protein and veg before carbs, say scientists

A new study has revealed that eating protein and vegetables before carbohydrates can slow the release of sugar and keep us fuller for longer

A new study has revealed that the order in which we eat our food may be just as important as the foods themselves.

Research from Weill Cornell Medical College in New York suggests that eating the protein and vegetables on our plates before tucking into the carbohydrates not only keeps people fuller for longer, but helps control blood sugar levels.

The revelation could be particularly useful for diabetics, who must constantly control their blood sugar levels to avoid health complications.

Researchers from Weill Cornell Medical College in New York undertook the study on 11 obese or overweight people with type 2 diabetes, which occurs when the body does not make enough insulin or is resistant to insulin (the hormone which helps the body use glucose). Each of the participants was also taking a drug called metformin which helps to control blood sugar levels.

^{The study may mean that diabetics can enjoy their favourite foods, if eaten in the right order (ANDREW CROWLEY)}
Each participant fasted for 12 hours overnight before consuming a typical 628 calorie Western meal of protein, carbohydrates and fat. The meal consisted of a skinless chicken breast, buttered broccoli, salad, ciabatta bread and a glass of orange juice.
In the first week of the study, the group ate the bread and drank the juice first and then ate the protein and the veg 15 minutes later.


A week later, the participants ate the same meal in the reverse order, first eating the chicken and greens and then the bread and juice.
During both episodes of the study, researchers measured the blood sugar levels of each participant just before eating and then 30, 60 and 120 minutes after the meal.
The results showed that the blood sugar levels were 29 per cent, 37 per cent and 17 per cent lower when researchers checked them at 30, 60 and 120 minutes, respectively, when the group had eaten the chicken and veg first. Insulin levels were also lower when participants had eaten the veg and protein first.

^{The findings of the study may be beneficial to diabetics (ALAMY)}
Dr Louis Aronne, a senior author on the study, said: 'When we saw the result, we were really encouraged that this is something that could potentially benefit people.
'It also shows that highly desired foods can be a part of a diet if we sneak them in there."