Many people assume they are perfectly healthy—until something unexpected happens. This was the case for Mr. Chu, a 52-year-old construction worker in China, who suddenly collapsed at work and tragically passed away shortly afterward. His story has since become a reminder of how dangerous unmanaged diabetes can be, especially when paired with unhealthy eating habits.

A Hidden Condition Ignored for Years

Despite working long hours at a physically demanding construction site, Mr. Chu often dismissed the idea that he could ever develop diabetes. He believed it was a “rich person’s disease,” something that would never affect someone who labored daily under the sun.

Five years earlier, his medical check-up showed a fasting blood glucose level of 11.2 mmol/L, far above the normal range. Yet he ignored the warning. He never adjusted his diet, never monitored his sugar levels, and never took his health seriously.

The Moment Everything Went Wrong

One day, while transporting bags of cement, Mr. Chu suddenly collapsed onto a pile of sand. By the time his coworkers found him, he was unconscious. The blood glucose monitor in the ambulance flashed “HIGH”, indicating extremely elevated sugar levels beyond the measurable range.

When nurses drew his blood, they discovered visible sugar crystals inside the syringe—a sign of dangerously high blood glucose. The spike caused severe osmotic imbalance in the bloodstream, leading to hyperosmolar hyperglycemic coma, a life-threatening diabetic emergency.

Doctors later explained to the family that his condition worsened rapidly due to years of unhealthy eating—especially breakfast, the meal he tended to neglect the most. Unfortunately, despite emergency treatment, Mr. Chu passed away shortly after being admitted.

His case serves as a strong reminder: your morning habits can influence your blood sugar for the entire day. Doctors warn that the following four types of breakfasts are particularly harmful.

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1. High-Calorie, Deep-Fried Breakfasts

Foods like fried dough sticks, doughnuts, fritters, and other crispy fried snacks are common breakfast choices. While many enjoy their crunchy texture, they are extremely high in calories and unhealthy fats.

Consuming these foods regularly:

• Raises the risk of obesity

• Causes unstable blood sugar spikes

• Increases inflammation

• May produce carcinogenic substances when cooked at high temperatures

These foods give quick energy but cause sharp blood sugar rises followed by rapid drops, making glucose management much harder.

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2. Breakfasts Made Only of Refined Carbohydrates

Meals consisting mainly of refined starches—such as white porridge, rice noodles, steamed buns, or white bread—may seem light and easy to digest, but they can significantly destabilize blood sugar.

These foods:

• Are digested rapidly

• Cause sudden glucose spikes

• Trigger excessive insulin production

• Contribute to insulin resistance over time

Without protein or fiber to slow digestion, the body struggles to maintain balanced sugar levels, especially in the morning.

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3. Eating Breakfast Too Late

Some people sleep in and only eat after waking up naturally. However, eating breakfast too late prolongs the fasting period, causing the stomach to remain empty longer than it should.

This can lead to:

• An exaggerated rise in blood sugar

• Difficulty controlling glucose throughout the day

• Increased hunger and overeating at the next meal

For individuals at risk of diabetes, late breakfasts can worsen metabolic instability.

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4. Overly Simple or Repetitive Breakfasts

Many people eat the same small items every morning—like just eggs, steamed buns, or fried pastries. While eggs provide protein, a breakfast lacking fiber and variety is not balanced.

An overly simple breakfast can:

• Speed up digestion too much

• Cause rapid post-meal blood sugar increases

• Leave the stomach empty again too soon

• Lead to overeating at lunch

A balanced breakfast should include protein, healthy fats, vegetables, and fiber, which help slow glucose absorption and maintain stable energy levels.

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A Final Reminder

Mr. Chu’s story is a heartbreaking example of how ignoring symptoms and daily habits—especially breakfast choices—can lead to devastating health consequences. While diabetes can often be managed well, it requires awareness, regular monitoring, and thoughtful eating habits.

A healthier morning routine could have made a tremendous difference.