ABSTRACT
The objective of this article was to present and discuss how eating timing (chronoeating) affects dynamics of glucose metabolism and fate. In the changing modern environment; social contributions, exercise, work schedule and eating properties (timing and frequency) have tremendously changed. People desire to eat during suboptimal times mismatched with natural glucose and insulin circadian rhythms. Evidence indicates that disturbed biological rhythms of glucose metabolism and dynamics may cause health issues. Diabetes mellitus (T2D) could occur because of suboptimal eating times. Eating less overnight should help optimize chronophysiology of glucose dynamics. Chrono-eating is, thus, a new science that deserves timely attention for incorporation into modern lifestyles. This innovation should help prevent diabetes in today’s stressful life.
Keywords: Chrono-Eating; Glucose Dynamics; Biological Rhythm; Diabetes; New Science
Philosophy and Innovation
The anterior part of the hypothalamus hosts a bilateral
structure known as suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). This is a central
pacemaker of the circadian system that regulates circadian rhythms,
and thus, is central clock alongside peripheral clocks in liver. These
clocks are involved in the regulation of circadian rhythms of glucose
metabolic dynamics [1,2]. Glucose tolerance decreases in the
evening and overnight simply and logically because less nutrients
are needed nocturnally [3]. As such, eating large meals and overeating
sugary and starchy meals during evening and overnight
must be avoided to reduce diabetes and obesity risks. Circadian
rhythms of glucose dynamics and metabolism require reduced
insulin sensitivity and pancreatic β-cells function in the evening
vs. morning. This suggests that glucose dynamics possess internal
biological rhythms [2]. Whole body insulin resistance may be an
initial step in type 2 diabetes (T2D) development. Nonetheless,
hyperglycemia and associated diabetes are dependent on rather
hepatic than muscle insulin resistance [4]. Furthermore, muscle
insulin resistance and energy over-intake may lead to hepatic
lipogenesis, further increasing hepatic insulin resistance and
reduced insulin effects on hepatic glucose dynamics [4]. As such,
nocturnal glucose over-supply by extensive night eating increases
insulin resistance and could ultimately lead to increased risk of
diabetes and obesity [5].
As stated before, glucose dynamics are strictly orchestrated
by the circadian physiology. Hence, shifting eating time from the
morning to evening may elevate blood glucose and cause related
metabolic issues. In accordance with ‘choronotype’ concept,
people are either morning or evening eaters. The evening eaters
have the undesirable habit of eating more extensively overnight.
Chronotype, thus, impacts on and interferes with chrono-eating. It has been reported that night-eaters and shift-workers exhibit
reduced glucose tolerance, and are thus, at greater risks of
diabetes. This is basically due to altered eating time and disturbed
circadian rhythms of glucose dynamics [6]. Moreover, greater blood
melatonin has been demonstrated in night eaters, also suggesting
damaged glucose dynamics by the disturbed circadian biology
[2]. Apparently, melatonin possesses a role in circadian rhythms
regulation of glucose dynamics based on the sleep-wake cycle.
As such, the discovery of MTNRIB, melatonin receptor 1b gene,
has fueled interests in researching possible melatonin effects on
circadian glucose dynamics.
Elevated melatonin levels following eating might harm glucose
dynamics by decreasing glucose tolerance. Melatonin is at maximum
overnight which accords with reduced glucose tolerance circadianwise
[7]. Thus, the greater risk of diabetes in shift-working night
eaters may be caused by a disturbance in the circadian rhythmicity
of glucose dynamics. An accepted hypothesis about melatonin
action is its inhibitory effect on insulin secretion [7]. Chrono-eating
entails that energy-dense foods should be eaten preferably in the
morning when physical and brain works are being initiated and
increased [5]. Breakfast-eating is highly encouraged whereas nighteating
is greatly discouraged [8]. To support, greater postprandial
glucose levels have been demonstrated in breakfast skippers who
instead consumed large later meals [9]. In addition to eating time,
for optimized nutrient/waste metabolism, eating and exercise
ought to be coordinated for optimal cell function. This will require
more research to be well clarified. Chrono-eating as a growing
science/practice offers a simple workable strategy to help optimize
glucose dynamics and to likely prevent diabetes [10]. Consequently,
chrono-eating is postulated to have influential roles in improving
glucose dynamics and life quality in today’s stressful times.
Conclusion
Glucose dynamics are orchestrated by the circadian physiological rhythms. Glucose tolerance decreases in the evening and overnight. As such, nocturnal eaters display hyperglycemia overnight and possibly during day as well. The elevated blood glucose along with the augmented insulin resistance may most probably lead to obesity and T2D. Chrono-eating, hence, is a rising science/practice that must receive deserving public awareness and attention towards improving glucose dynamics and preventing metabolic complexities such as diabetes in today’s stressful life.
Acknowledgement
Nature as a resourceful entity in inspiring for innovative ideas deserves the brightest acknowledgments.
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