Having small frequent meals is better in controlling sugar levels and in release of insulin than having a few large meals.
-When we have a meal, our body breaks down the food into usable energy i.e. glucose.
– After a meal, glucose levels of blood increase, and this lasts for about 2 hours. During this time, insulin is released from pancreas to bring the glucose level down and maintain it within normal range.
-When we eat a large meal, more amount of glucose is released in blood following the meal. This requires more amount of insulin to control this surge of glucose and bring it down.
-If this process gets repeated 3-4 times in a day (i.e. 3-4 large meals are taken instead of 6-8 small meals) the pancreas are over-burdened in an effort to secrete more insulin in order to keep blood sugar under control.
-Eating small and frequent meals stimulates pancreas to secrete small amounts of insulin to control the moderate spike of glucose that happens after a small meal.
-The pancreas and insulin can then work efficiently and prevent the blood sugars from shooting too high.