Skipping breakfast can dangerously raise blood sugar, experts warn

Forgoing breakfast, particularly for individuals managing blood sugar, can have detrimental effects on the body's glucose regulation throughout the day.

When breakfast is skipped, the body does not simply store the calories. Instead, it can become more sensitive to carbohydrates consumed later, leading to a more significant spike in blood sugar levels during lunch or dinner. This phenomenon, known as the "second meal effect," highlights how an early meal aids the body in better processing glucose at subsequent meals.

A 2025 study indicated that individuals who skip breakfast experience a higher blood sugar response after their next meal. These greater glucose fluctuations can contribute to feelings of fatigue, increased cravings for certain foods, and overall variability in blood sugar levels.

Furthermore, the liver naturally releases stored glucose in the morning to maintain energy levels. Without the signal of food intake from breakfast, this release can continue for longer periods. This prolonged release can cause blood sugar to rise even without eating, an effect that can be more pronounced in individuals with insulin resistance, where cells do not respond optimally to insulin.