Skipping Breakfast May Affect Blood Sugar in Different Ways

Skipping breakfast can seem like a minor choice, particularly for people who are not hungry in the morning or follow intermittent fasting. But extending the overnight fast can affect blood sugar, with the response varying according to a person’s health, medication and overall eating pattern.

Blood glucose may fall as the body goes longer without food. In healthy people, the liver usually helps keep levels stable by releasing stored glucose, so missing breakfast does not automatically cause dangerously low blood sugar.

Blood sugar can also rise without a morning meal. Hormones that help the body wake up can prompt the liver to release glucose, an effect that may be more noticeable in people with diabetes.

Delaying the first meal may affect the body’s response to food later in the day. Some people, particularly those with diabetes, may experience a larger blood sugar rise after lunch when they have skipped breakfast.

Going without breakfast may also increase hunger and encourage larger portions or carbohydrate-heavy snacks later. For people taking insulin or certain diabetes medicines, missing a planned meal can increase the risk of hypoglycaemia. Anyone in this group considering intermittent fasting should discuss meal timing and medication with their healthcare professional.