Eating breakfast late reduces blood sugar spikes in type 2 diabetics

Research reveals how adjusting breakfast timing and post-meal walks can change blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes, making simple lifestyle adjustments to improve health. I did.

study: Altering breakfast timing improves postprandial blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial. Image credit: Chutima Chaochaya

In a recent study published in the journal Diabetes and metabolic syndrome: clinical studies and reviewsresearchers investigated the combined effects of different breakfast timings and a 20-minute brisk post-breakfast walk on postprandial glycemia. They conducted a 6-week randomized crossover controlled trial in 14 adults, 11 of whom complied with study requirements and were included in the final analysis. Researchers found that eating breakfast at 9:30 a.m. (mid-morning) and 12:30 (noon) reduced postprandial blood sugar levels compared to 7 a.m. (early morning).

The study also found that walking for 20 minutes after breakfast slightly reduced postprandial blood glucose in patients who ate at 7:00 or 12:00 (effect size: 0.35 and 0.37, respectively). However, there was no noticeable benefit for those who consumed their first meal of the day at 9:30 a.m. Taken together, these findings highlight that altering breakfast timing may provide a non-invasive and practical strategy to help manage postprandial blood glucose in T2D patients.

background

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic medical condition characterized by the body's inability to properly regulate insulin secretion, resulting in disorders of the immune, circulatory, and nervous systems. The global prevalence of T2D is increasing at an alarming rate, with reports estimating that one in nine adults (643 million people) will suffer from T2D by 2030.

Traditional T2D interventions include adherence to lifestyle changes (e.g., increased physical activity levels and improved dietary choices) to help improve glycemic control (changes in blood sugar levels after food intake) and insulin sensitivity. Includes: However, recent studies suggest that the timing of these lifestyle interventions can complement them in improving glycemic outcomes in T2D patients.

In particular, changes in breakfast timing may have a substantial benefit on morning hyperglycemia due to the influence of meals on post-breakfast glycemic fluctuations, which most importantly improves the daily glycemic changes associated with food. Configure. Unfortunately, rigorous evidence supporting timing-related glycemic benefits remains scarce.

“The peak of cortisol levels (approximately 08:00) and the occurrence of the ‘dawn phenomenon’ (i.e. rise in blood sugar levels upon waking) cause elevated blood sugar levels in T2D patients early in the morning. Interventions that reduce blood sugar are important for patients with T2D. Overall daily blood glucose control in patients with T2D.”

About research

The present study addressed these evidence gaps by investigating the combined effects of changes in breakfast timing and acute post-breakfast locomotor exercise on postprandial blood glucose in adult T2D patients. The study followed a randomized crossover controlled trial methodology conducted under free-living conditions and included Australian participants aged 30-70 years with clinically diagnosed T2D (HbA1c ≥6.5 – <10%). 14 people participated.

To increase the reliability of the study and avoid potentially confounding observations, participants currently taking insulin supplements, sulfonylureas, or a combination of multiple hypoglycemic agents were excluded. Additionally, participants adhering to a ketogenic diet, alternate-day fasting, time-restricted eating patterns, or engaging in physical activity exceeding Australian guidelines (150 minutes or more per week) were also excluded.

The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) measures baseline eating disorder risk, along with assessments of beta-cell function and body composition using blood tests and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), respectively. was used to screen participants. Participants were randomly assigned to an “early” (07:00), “mid” (09:30), or “late” (12:00) breakfast cohort.

Participants were required to take a 20-minute brisk walk 30-60 minutes after breakfast, and recorded their daily food intake and sleep habits using a research food diary app or handwritten logs. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and activity monitors were used to track glucose and activity levels, and statistical analyzes included calculation of incremental area under the curve (iAUC) metrics and linear mixed effects models.

Research results

Of the 14 participants who initially enrolled, one declined for personal reasons and two were excluded due to noncompliance with the study protocol. The records showed that changing the timing of breakfast did not significantly change participants' total daily energy intake or meal frequency.

Data analysis showed that the iAUC significantly changed depending on the timing of breakfast, with the “moderate” and “late” breakfast cohorts having a lower iAUC of 57 mmol/L × 2h and 41 mmol, respectively, compared to those who had an “early” breakfast. It was revealed that a decrease of /L×2h was shown. The intermediate and late onset cohorts were statistically indistinguishable from each other.

In particular, 20 minutes of exercise after breakfast was observed to slightly improve 'early' and 'late' iAUC results, but had no measurable effect on 'mid' breakfast consumers. .

conclusion

This study provides the first solid evidence of the influence of breakfast timing on postprandial glycemic control in adults with T2D. Research reveals that delaying breakfast intake until 9:30 a.m. or 12:00 p.m. can significantly improve blood sugar results compared to eating breakfast earlier (7 a.m.) It has become. Surprisingly, a 20-minute walk after breakfast produced only a small improvement in blood sugar results at 07:00 and 12:00, but had no effect at 09:30.

“Long-term adherence to this habit may improve glycemic control and reduce risks associated with poor glycemic control, such as insulin resistance and increased cardiometabolic risks.”

To confirm these findings, investigate the role of physical activity on postprandial glycemia in a larger population, and assess the long-term feasibility of modifying breakfast timing and exercise in a free-living environment. Future research is warranted.