Mr. Chu, a 52-year-old construction worker from China, had always dismissed diabetes as a “disease of the wealthy” and believed that people who worked physically demanding jobs like him were immune. Despite a medical report five years earlier showing a dangerously high fasting blood sugar level of 11.2 mmol/L, he ignored the results, never changed his eating habits, and didn’t once monitor his glucose levels.

One day, while carrying cement at a construction site, Mr. Chu suddenly collapsed onto a pile of sand. His coworkers rushed to his aid and found him unconscious. The blood glucose monitor in the ambulance displayed “HIGH,” meaning his sugar levels had spiked far beyond measurable range. When nurses drew blood, sugar crystals were actually visible inside the syringe—a sign of extreme hyperglycemia. Doctors explained that he had slipped into a hyperosmolar coma, caused by excessive sugar in the bloodstream disrupting the body’s osmotic balance.

Despite emergency treatment, his condition deteriorated quickly. Not long after admission, Mr. Chu tragically passed away. Doctors pointed out that one of the biggest culprits behind his worsening condition was his unhealthy breakfast routine—a meal often underestimated yet crucial for stabilizing blood sugar.

To raise awareness, physicians warn that there are four types of breakfasts that should be avoided at all costs if you want to protect your health:

1. High-Calorie, Fried Breakfasts

Dough fritters, fried pancakes, and other deep-fried items are beloved morning staples for many because of their crispy texture. But these foods are loaded with calories and unhealthy fats. Regularly eating them not only increases the risk of obesity but also makes blood sugar levels spike uncontrollably. Worse, frying at high temperatures can produce harmful compounds that stress the body further.

2. Breakfasts Made Only of Refined Carbohydrates

Plain rice porridge, white noodles, steamed buns, or white bread may feel light and easy to digest, but these refined carbs are dangerous for people at risk of diabetes. They break down quickly, cause blood sugar to rise sharply, and trigger excess insulin secretion. Over time, this can lead to insulin resistance, a condition that accelerates the progression of diabetes.

3. Eating Breakfast Too Late

Some people like to skip breakfast or eat late after waking up at noon. However, delaying your first meal stretches the stomach’s fasting period and makes blood sugar spike uncontrollably when food is finally consumed. Studies show that irregular meal timing is directly linked to metabolic imbalances and can worsen long-term glucose control.

4. Overly Simple or Repetitive Breakfasts

Relying on just eggs, buns, or a single fried item every morning may seem harmless, but such monotony deprives the body of fiber and essential nutrients. Without enough dietary fiber, digestion speeds up and causes rapid blood sugar spikes after meals. This also increases hunger at the next meal, making people prone to overeating—another hidden risk for unstable glucose levels.

The Takeaway

Breakfast sets the tone for the entire day. Choosing the wrong foods may silently harm your body, while a balanced, nutritious breakfast rich in protein, fiber, and whole grains can help stabilize blood sugar and protect long-term health. Mr. Chu’s tragic story is a wake-up call: never underestimate the role of the first meal of the day.