Association between timing of energy intake and insulin sensitivity: A cross-sectional study

Vittobai Rashika Rangaraj, Alankrita Siddula, Helen J. Burgess, Silvana Pannain, Kristen L. Knutson*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number503
JournalNutrients
Volume12
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2020

Funding

Funding: This work was funded by an award from the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (R01DK095207) and National Institute on Aging (P01AG011412).

Keywords

  • Circadian rhythm
  • Diet habits
  • Insulin resistance
  • Type 2 Diabetes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Food Science
  • Nutrition and Dietetics

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