Diabetes has become a growing health concern across the globe with around 422 million people being diagnosed with it, as per the World Health Organisation. With more and more people falling prey to its lifestyle-induced risks, it is now more than necessary to learn the bits of this disease.
Recent research suggests that the timing of our meals can be equally important as the foods we eat.Adopting time-restricted eating (TRE), a kind of intermittent fasting, may help reduce the risk of diabetes while improving overall metabolic health, according to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. According to the research, those who are at risk of acquiring diabetes, especially type 2, may be able to prevent the disease by matching their eating habits to their bodies’ natural circadian rhythms. Here is all you need to know about how eating in a particular pattern can help reduce the risk of getting diabetes.
New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANS) Finding it hard to manage blood sugar levels? Take heart, limiting your food consumption to a 10-hour window daily may keep your diabetes in check, according to a study.
The role of time-restricted eating in blood sugar regulation
The idea behind time-restricted eating (TRE) is to consume all of your meals within a certain amount of time, typically 8 to 10 hours, and then fast the rest of the day. Our blood sugar levels are directly affected by this method. The study found that those who committed to a customized 8–10 hour eating window experienced notable improvements in their HbA1c levels, a crucial sign of effective blood sugar control.
Aligning meals with the body’s natural clock
The study also emphasizes the role of circadian rhythms in controlling our metabolism. Our bodies follow a 24-hour biological clock that regulates hormone levels, digestion, and energy utilisation.
By eating at the times of day when the body processes food most effectively, especially early in the morning, we can lessen the burden on the pancreas while improving blood sugar regulation. By matching our eating schedules with the best periods for digestion, skipping late-night meals or snacks can improve long-term metabolic outcomes and reduce the risk of diabetes.
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Weight loss and fat reduction: Key benefits of TRE
Losing weight is another quite important advantage noted in the study, especially the reduction of abdominal fat, which is closely associated with diabetes. Not only did members of the TRE group lose weight, but they also kept their muscle mass, which is critical for long-term health. The decrease in visceral fat, or the fat around the abdominal organs, was a good thing because it lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases.
This fat-burning method not only reduces overall body weight but also targets insulin resistance, a condition that is closely related to type 2 diabetes and obesity.