Eggs are Recommended for Diabetics
Diabetes affects a person’s health in a variety of ways. In particular, it increases their risk of heart disease and stroke. It can also lead to an unhealthy imbalance in a diabetic’s lipid profile, causing an increase in LDL (the bad type of cholesterol) and a decrease in HDL (the good type of cholesterol). According to the latest recommendations of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), individuals should consume less than 300 mg of cholesterol per day.
Two large eggs contain approximately 400 mg of cholesterol, which is already beyond the ADA’s recommended daily limit on cholesterol consumption. However, research has shown that not all cholesterol sources are equal. This has led to numerous studies concerning the effects of egg consumption, especially for people with diabetes, prediabetes, or cardiovascular disease.
Without exception, these studies have concluded that eating foods that have a high cholesterol content is not in itself a risk factor for people with diabetes. Rather, the negative health effects of a specific food depend on the type of cholesterol the food contains. For example, foods that are high in saturated fat, such as red meat; or starches, such as potatoes and refined grains, have been shown to have negative health consequences.
Returning to the question about consumption of eggs, a 2018 study published in Food and Function concluded that eating eggs on a regular basis actually improved fasting blood glucose levels in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. In fact, the researchers concluded that eating one egg per day reduces overall diabetes risk.
A similar research study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition demonstrated that people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes did not experience a negative change in their lipid profile even when consuming a diet that included a high egg content. The authors of this study also concluded that eating eggs was helpful for people with diabetes.
The latest recommendations from the American Diabetes Association state that eggs are recommended for people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
Eggs are low in carbohydrates and low on the glycemic index scale. They are nutritionally rich in nutrients, high in protein, and low in calories. They contain the vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12, as well as the antioxidant lutein. And they also contain healthy fats and minerals as well as the essential nutrient choline, which plays an important role in memory.
In summary, for those of us who suffer from prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, or cardiovascular disease — and certainly for those of us who are trying to avoid these conditions — it is recommended to consume eggs on a regular basis. The healthiest way to cook eggs is to do so without adding oil, for example, by boiling or poaching. However, if we prefer fried eggs, it is best to be diligent about using a heart-healthy oil, for example olive oil or canola oil.
At Laurel Bay Health and Rehabilitation Center, in the scenic beach town of Keansburg, NJ, our program includes attention to every aspect of care, including nutrition. Our pledge is to provide superior health care services in the most compassionate way. We put in place individualized care plans, robust post-acute rehabilitation, and recreational activities for every one of our residents, whether they are short-term or long-term.
Our short-term rehabilitation program is designed to get our patients back to their optimal level of functioning and independence as quickly as possible, post hospitalization. We provide a tailored program of physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as all types of specialized care under one roof.
We include our residents and families in the development and progress of their individualized care plan up until the day of their discharge, when we ensure their smooth transition back into the community.
Our long-term care program offers 24/7 skilled nursing care of the highest caliber for our residents. In addition to a varied selection of stimulating activities and recreational programs, our residents benefit from our specialty health services, exquisite dining and social services.
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