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. 2020 Feb 16;12(2):503.
doi: 10.3390/nu12020503.

Association between Timing of Energy Intake and Insulin Sensitivity: A Cross-Sectional Study

Vittobai Rashika Rangaraj  1 , Alankrita Siddula  2 , Helen J Burgess  3 , Silvana Pannain  1 , Kristen L Knutson  2
Affiliations

Association between Timing of Energy Intake and Insulin Sensitivity: A Cross-Sectional Study

Vittobai Rashika Rangaraj et al. Nutrients. .

Abstract

In addition to the caloric and macronutrient composition of meals, timing of energy consumption may be important for optimal glucose metabolism. Our goal was to examine whether the habitual timing of energy intake was associated with insulin sensitivity in healthy volunteers. Volunteers without diabetes aged 21-50 years completed a 3-day food diary and underwent an oral glucose tolerance test to estimate insulin sensitivity (n = 44). From the food diary, we calculated the proportions of the total energy and macronutrients consumed in the morning and evening, and the clock time at which 25%, 50% and 75% of total energy was consumed. A greater proportion of energy intake in the morning was significantly associated with higher insulin sensitivity estimated by Matsuda Index (B = 2.8 per 10%; 95%CI: 0.3, 5.2). The time at which 25% of energy was consumed was associated with insulin sensitivity estimated by Matsuda Index (B = -1.6 per hour; 95%CI: -3.0, -0.3) and QUICKI (B = -1.4 per hour, 95%CI: -2.8, -0.1). The timing of carbohydrate consumption demonstrated similar associations. Greater energy intake earlier in the day was associated with higher insulin sensitivity in individuals without diabetes.

Keywords: Type 2 Diabetes; circadian rhythm; diet habits; insulin resistance.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Associations between the Matsuda Index of insulin sensitivity and the proportion of energy intake in the morning (top panel) and the proportion of energy intake in the evening (bottom panel). The unadjusted regression line is plotted. The r values represent unadjusted Pearson correlations and associated p values.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Associations between the Matsuda Index of insulin sensitivity and the clock time 25% of energy intake (top panel), 50% of energy intake (middle panel) and 75% of energy intake (bottom panel) was consumed. The unadjusted regression line is plotted. The r values represent unadjusted Pearson correlations and associated p values.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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