A study on Chrononutrition behaviour and Chronotype among Type 2 Diabetics

Abstract

Background: The rising prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) highlights the need for effective lifestyle interventions beyond conventional treatment. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the relationship between chronotype, chrononutrition behaviour and glycemic control among Type 2 diabetics. Methodology: Two private diabetic clinics in Coimbatore were selected by convenience sampling for the selection of target group. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 200 diabetics including 100 males and 100 females were selected as study subjects using purposive sampling. Background information, anthropometric indices, biochemical parameters, dietary intake, physical activity levels were collected using an interview schedule and standard procedures. Mental health status was assessed using DASS – 21 Scale, chronotype was determined using the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire and chrononutrition behaviour was evaluated using the Chrononutrition Profile Questionnaire. Results: The findings showed that individuals with evening chronotypes and irregular eating patterns, including late-night eating, breakfast skipping and longer eating windows, had poor glycemic control as indicated by elevated fasting blood sugar, postprandial blood sugar and HbA1c levels. Mental health status such as stress, anxiety, and depression was also higher among diabetics. Conclusion: The study suggests that regularizing meal times and aligning eating habits with the biological clock by shortening the eating window and latency could support better blood glucose management in Type 2 diabetics.