The second group’s schedule aligned roughly with the natural schedule set out by the central circadian rhythm.
Participants who ate at night had increased blood glucose levels, while those who ate only at daytime had no changes – implying that late meal times were responsible for glucose intolerance.
One of the study authors, Frank A.J.L. Scheer, said in a press release: “Of the participants studied, those with the biggest disruption of their circadian system … showed the largest impairment of glucose tolerance.”
Eating at night also reduced the function of pancreatic beta-cells. The researchers said this also impacted the body’s processing of sugar.
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