Glucose Processing Ability – Related to Diabetes Risk and Other Health Issues – Varies Throughout the Day.
A recent study published in the scientific journal Nutrition & Diabetes suggests that instead of blaming genetics or low sugar processing ability for obesity and diabetes, you should reconsider your meal timing throughout the day.
Researchers from the Open University of Catalunya (UOC – Spain) and Columbia University (USA) indicate that the ability to process glucose from the same amount of food can vary significantly between morning and evening.
Meal timing is related to glucose processing ability as well as individual food choices, which in turn affects the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and many other health issues – (Illustration AI: ANH THƯ).
An analysis of a group of volunteers aged 50-75 participating in health checks at Columbia University’s Irving Medical Center revealed that consuming 45% of daily calories after 5 PM can be extremely detrimental.
This can lead to a range of health consequences: weight gain, increased excess fat, and a heightened risk of developing or worsening cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes.
The reason lies in the fact that from late afternoon to evening, the body’s ability to process glucose significantly declines.
“Maintaining high glucose levels for extended periods can lead to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, increased cardiovascular risk due to glucose-induced vascular damage, and heightened chronic inflammation…” explains Dr. Diana Díaz Rizzolo from UOC, the lead author.
Further analysis revealed that the body’s glucose metabolism is impaired at night due to reduced insulin secretion and decreased cell sensitivity to this hormone.
This is a completely natural process, governed by the body’s biological rhythms.
Moreover, the study also found that in the evening, people tend to gravitate towards less healthy foods that are high in sugar, carbohydrates, and fats.
These sources are particularly rich in glucose and have a high glycemic index (GI), which further complicates the body’s ability to manage glucose.
Experts previously believed that the main consequence of late-night eating was weight gain, but new findings suggest that the issue may be much more complex.
Additionally, this could explain why late-night meals seem to easily lead to weight gain.
To combat this, there is only one solution: Ensure your body is well-nourished during breakfast and lunch, and eat lighter in the evening if you find it difficult to reduce your intake.
