Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Type 2 diabetes, a condition when the body loses its ability to respond to insulin, is the most common one.

If not treated immediately, high blood sugar can damage other organs such as the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nervous system. Therefore, it is not uncommon for people with type-2 diabetes to be recommended to use insulin injection to stabilise their blood sugar. Unfortunately, insulin injection can also cause negative effects for the body, one of which is obesity. In addition, this method is also considered too 'scary' for some people.

In a recent study conducted by researchers from Tel Aviv University, they found another way to help people with type-2 diabetes. The researchers found that keeping diet in sync with biological clock can help the body maintain blood sugar level. Unlike previous recommendations, where diabetics are encouraged to eat at least 6 times a day (3 heavy meals and 3 light meals), the researchers found that eating 3 times a day with considering biological clock was more effective in maintaining blood sugar level.

The researchers asked 29 people with diabetes to implement the 3-times-a-day diet. The diet consists of early morning breakfast rich in starch, lunch, and dinner with small portion. After 12 weeks, the researchers found that those who implemented the diet experienced improvements in their blood sugar levels. In addition, some of them can also lower their insulin intake, and some even stopped using insulin injection. The researchers claimed that eating 3 times a day is more effective in controlling diabetes, while also decreases the risk of other complications.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Google Search Images

Source(s):

• Jakubowicz, D., Landau, Z., Tsameret, S., et al (2019). Reduction in Glycated Hemoglobin and Daily Insulin Dose Alongside Circadian Clock Upregulation in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Consuming a Three-Meal Diet: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Diabetes Care, DOI: https://doi.org/10.2337/dc19-1142.
• Science Daily - Eating in sync with biological clock could replace problematic diabetes treatment (2019). https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/12/191203114510.htm, 04 December 2019.