Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: We hypothesised that children with type 1 diabetes would have more hyperglycaemia following a British as compared to a European breakfast.

Methods: Children were asked to take a continental breakfast and a typical British breakfast cereal on separate days. Pre breakfast glucometer readings were documented and then regular readings until lunchtime. The meals were prescribed by a dietitian; they were approximately carbohydrate matched but of different calorie content (more calorie in the continental breakfast). The quantities were allocated according to age bands.

Results: Eleven children participated. A statistically significant rise (P=0.0085) in blood sugar (see Table) was seen after the British breakfast compared to the European breakfast.

Conclusion: Dietetic advice should encourage continental type food as opposed to British breakfast cereals.