Meal order may influence blood sugar, mouse study suggests
In experiments with mice, consuming olive oil before carbohydrates reduced post-meal blood sugar spikes. The effect involved slower stomach emptying plus hormonal and nerve signals that help regulate glucose. The researchers say human trials are still needed before this can be recommended as a diabetes strategy.
In fasted mice, researchers compared water then glucose, olive oil then glucose 15 minutes later, and glucose then olive oil. They tracked blood sugar plus insulin, glucagon, GIP, and GLP-1. Acetaminophen absorption was used to estimate how fast the stomach emptied.
Additional tests included mice with type 2 diabetes and mice missing the GLP-1 receptor. The team also blocked glucagon or GLP-1 signals, cut vagus nerves below the diaphragm, and tested other dietary fats. Prior human studies reportedly link eating vegetables, protein, or fat before carbs with smaller glucose rises.
If human trials confirm the mouse findings, changing when fats are eaten could become a simple, low-cost option for people trying to manage blood sugar, particularly those with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. It may also shape nutrition counseling and food-industry messaging. However, because the evidence comes from animals, any real-world benefit, safety, and suitability remain uncertain until tested in people.