Islamabad( The COW News Digital)A new study has revealed that the timing of dinner plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, particularly for people at risk of diabetes. The research, conducted by the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya in Spain, suggests that eating late at night can make it harder for the body to regulate fasting blood glucose levels the following morning, potentially increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Researchers examined how the timing and composition of the last meal of the day affected fasting blood glucose levels. The study involved 33 participants aged between 50 and 75 who were overweight or obese and had high blood sugar levels, but were not diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Participants were monitored for one day, with their food intake and meal timings recorded, followed by a 10-hour overnight fast. Continuous glucose monitoring devices were used to measure their blood sugar levels.
The findings showed that both the amount of carbohydrates in dinner and the timing of the meal significantly influenced morning fasting glucose. Eating later in the evening made it more difficult to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Researchers also noted that whether a person wakes up early or stays awake late at night impacts glucose regulation, as the body’s internal clock plays a key role in overnight glucose metabolism.
The study highlights that people with high blood sugar levels should be cautious about consuming large amounts of carbohydrates at night and should avoid eating dinner too late. Doing so can help keep glucose levels stable, improve metabolic health, and potentially protect against the development of type 2 diabetes.
These findings align with previous research published in journals such as Cell Metabolism and Obesity Reviews, which indicate that eating closer to bedtime disrupts metabolism, increases hunger, slows calorie burning, and raises fat storage — factors that contribute to a higher risk of diabetes and heart disease. Conversely, eating dinner a few hours before sleeping improves fat burning, lowers blood glucose levels, enhances sleep quality, and boosts energy.
Experts recommend eating dinner at least three to four hours before bedtime to support healthy glucose metabolism and reduce long-term health risks. While there is no fixed “ideal time” for dinner, adopting an earlier mealtime routine can significantly benefit overall health and well-being.
