Hello everyone!
A new research carried out by the Oberta de Catalunya University and Columbia University has revealed a key factor that could be affecting blood glucose control:The time we eat.
The study suggests that consuming a large part of the calories after 5:00 p.m. can interrupt the metabolism of glucose, increasing the risk of complications for people with diabetes.
Our body follows a natural circadian rhythm, which means that certain processes, such as insulin production and sensitivity of cells to this hormone, change throughout the day.At night, insulin production decreases and our cells become less sensitive to it, which makes it difficult to process glucose correctly.
For people with diabetes, who already face challenges to maintain stable glucose levels, eating late can worsen this challenge.
What does the study say?
- The researchers studied 26 people between 50 and 75 years overweight, prediabetes or diabetes type 2.
- The participants were divided into two groups: who ate early and those who consumed their calories after 5:00 p.m.
- Despite consuming the same food and calories, those who ate late showed higher levels of blood sugar and lower glucose tolerance.
The study also stressed that eating late is often associated with processed and dense foods, a slower metabolism and a greater risk of obesity, which further complicates blood sugar control.
How can we improve glucose control?
- Consume most of your calories early: try to eat before 5:00 p.m. and plan your meals to be balanced and nutrient rich.
- Avoid night snacks: processed and high foods in calories can hinder glucose regulation.
- Consider intermittent fasting: eating within a specific time window (for example, between 11:00 and 5:00 p.m.) could improve glucose control by aligning with the natural rhythm of your metabolism.
As Dr. Diana Díaz Rizzolo, co -author of the study, explains: "Until now, the nutritional councils have mainly focused on what and how much we eat. This study highlights the importance of when we eat to support cardiometabolic health."
If you are looking for ways to improve your glucose control, adjusting the time of your meals could be a simple but powerful tool.Remember that, together with a healthy diet and regular exercise, this approach can make a big difference in your daily diabetes handling.
Have you noticed how the moment of your meals affects your glucose?
We are here to learn together!