Effect of a Chrono Nutrition Intervention on Insulin Resistance in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is considered one of the main public health problems. During the last decade the incidence of T2D has increased exponentially leading to an increased incidence in cardiovascular disease, premature death, blindness and non-traumatic limb amputation. Novel therapeutic interventions have become imperative.

Dietary interventions are the cornerstone in managing and preventing T2D, however there is heterogeneity in the interventions and approaches currently available. The main objective of a dietary intervention is modest weight reduction achieved through calorie deficit and reduction in the consumption of carbohydrates and fats. Dietary interventions with a chrono nutrition focus establish an eating regime with calorie and macronutrient distribution taking into account sleeping and fasting hours, which are associated with metabolic alterations. This approach looks beyond calorie deficit and weight loss as primary outcomes.

Nutrition, physical activity, and education are fundamental pillars for achieving metabolic control in T2D. It is well-described that a nutritional treatment alone can improve glycemic control and the quality of life of patients. It is interesting to note that the timing of meals throughout the 24-hour period seems to play an important role, similar to the number of meals per day or the total calorie intake. Furthermore, the daily pattern of fasting-feeding is influenced by the sleep-wake cycle pattern, which is one of the most evident adaptations to circadian rhythms and plays a significant role in maintaining optimal health.

Interventions targeting aspects such as food type, meal timing, quality, and quantity can be a simple and promising strategy that can positively or negatively impact metabolic health, regardless of body weight modification. This evidence supports chrono nutrition as a novel strategy in the field of nutrition, primarily focusing on studying the interaction between nutrition, feeding, and the circadian rhythm. The implementation of new nutritional strategies based on circadian rhythms contributes to improving adherence to dietary treatment and preventing potential complications.