A recent study has found that eating dinner after 5 PM can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The research, conducted by teams from the University of Oberta in Barcelona, Spain, and Columbia University in New York, reveals that consuming more than 45% of the daily recommended calorie intake after 5 PM can lead to higher glucose levels, particularly in older adults. This habit can significantly damage health over time, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and chronic inflammation.
It was previously believed that eating late slowed down metabolism, leading to weight gain. However, new findings show that eating at specific times of the day, regardless of body weight or total calorie intake, has a significant impact on glucose metabolism.
The study included 26 participants aged 50 to 75 years, all overweight or obese. They were divided into two groups: early eaters (who consumed most of their daily calories before 5 PM) and late eaters (who consumed 45% or more of their calories after 5 PM). The participants underwent an oral glucose tolerance test, which revealed that late eaters had significantly higher glucose levels at 30 and 60 minutes, indicating elevated blood sugar.