Cardiometabolic Health

Cardiometabolic health is a relatively new term that encompasses cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Collectively, such conditions are the leading cause of preventable death worldwide. They all share similar risk factors (e.e., overweight/obesity, elevated blood pressure) which can be modified by diet and lifestyle choices. The available evidence indicates that eggs, when consumed as part of an overall healthy diet pattern, do not affect risk factors for cardiometabolic disease. Recent recommendations from the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology and American Diabetes Association do not limit egg or cholesterol intake, a change from earlier guidance from these organizations. In fact, several global health organizations, including Health Canada, the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Australian Heart Foundation and the Irish Heart Foundation, promote eggs as part of a heart-healthy diet.

Given the public health significance of understanding cardiometabolic diseases, research on risk reduction remains an active area of pursuit. For example:

  • A randomized controlled study in people with metabolic syndrome showed that those consuming three whole eggs per day as part of a reduced carbohydrate diet experienced favorable changes in HDL-cholesterol, insulin sensitivity, and other aspects of the lipoprotein lipid profile (1,2)
  • A randomized controlled weight loss trial in people with diagnosed type 2 diabetes showed improved lipid and glucose markers following consumption of 2 eggs per day for 12 weeks. (3)
  • An egg-based breakfast, rich in protein (35% energy; 26.1 g egg protein), promoted glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes relative to a high-carbohydrate breakfast. (4)

For a full list of recent research on eggs and cardiometabolic disease, please visit

  1. Blesso et al. Effects of carbohydrate restriction and dietary cholesterol provided by eggs on clinical risk factors in metabolic syndrome. J ClinLipidol. 2013;7:463-71.
  2. Blesso et al. Whole egg consumption improves lipoprotein profiles and insulin sensitivity to a greater extent than yolk-free egg substitute in individuals with metabolic syndrome. Metabolism. 2013;62:400-10.
  3. Pearce KL et al. Egg consumption as part of an energy-restricted high-protein diet improves blood lipid and blood glucose profiles in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Brit J Nutr2011;30:584-592.
  4. Park YM et al. A high-protein breakfast induces greater insulin and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide responses to a subsequent lunch meal in individuals with type 2 diabetes. J Nutr. 2015;145:452-8.

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Egg Muffin Cups – A great recipe for individuals with diabetes and beyond

Baked Eggs

Type 2 diabetes afflicts an estimated 28 million Americans. Many more—perhaps 85 million—have prediabetes, meaning that their blood sugar level is abnormal. For both diabetics and prediabetics, eating strategically is essential. The right diet can help those with diabetes manage their blood sugar and help prediabetics lower the risk of developing full-blown type 2 diabetes.

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Is vitamin D status compromised in diabetes? And, could whole eggs be part of the solution?

Vitamin D Breakfast

The middle of winter when sun exposure is limited is a good time for everyone to pay attention to getting enough vitamin D from food sources. This is particularly important for individuals living with diabetes, since there is preliminary evidence that vitamin D status is compromised due to secondary effects of diabetes.

Continue reading “Is vitamin D status compromised in diabetes? And, could whole eggs be part of the solution?”