Korea University researchers found that patients with more regular daily rhythms were more likely to meet glucose targets, with afternoon activity showing the strongest association.
A study from Korea University College of Medicine suggests that the body’s daily rhythms may matter almost as much as diet and medication in type 2 diabetes care. Researchers found that patients with steadier circadian rhythms were more likely to hit blood glucose targets than those whose routines were more erratic, adding to evidence that sleep and movement patterns can affect metabolic control, according to reports on the work.
The research examined 122 people with type 2 diabetes who were using insulin. Over ten days, they wore continuous glucose monitoring devices and fitness trackers while the team tracked sleep length, physical activity, heart rate and the regularity of their internal body clock. According to Dong-A Science, 46.3 per cent of patients with more stable circadian rhythms reached their glucose targets, compared with 20 per cent of those with irregular daily schedules.
The timing of activity appeared to matter as well. The strongest link between exercise and glucose control was seen between noon and 6 p.m., when more active patients spent longer in their target range and experienced fewer swings in blood sugar, according to the study summary carried by MedicalXpress and The Metabolic Journal. Adequate sleep was also associated with more stable glucose levels and a lower risk of hypoglycaemia, or dangerously low blood sugar.
The findings fit with wider research suggesting that circadian rhythm disruption can make glucose control harder in type 2 diabetes. A review published on ScienceDirect says exercise can act as a cue for the body clock and that afternoon and evening activity may improve glycaemic control and insulin sensitivity, while another study in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases found that exercise matched to a person’s chronotype, or natural tendency to be more alert earlier or later in the day, may be more effective than activity done at random times. Together, the studies point to a practical message: regular sleep and well-timed physical activity may be a useful complement to standard diabetes treatment.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
