Last Updated on October 11, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
According to a blog, a recent study indicated that having breakfast after 9 am might elevate the risk of diabetes. Our fact-checking process revealed that this claim is partially accurate, earning a rating of Half true.
The Claim
According to a study mentioned in a blog on Mail Online, the assertion is that having breakfast after 9 am and consuming meals later in the day may have the potential to raise the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.
Fact Check
What is the circadian clock?
The body’s biological clock, also known as the circadian clock, is an internal timekeeping system that regulates various daily activities, including sleep and eating. These internal clocks are sensitive to external signals like light and food. When our circadian clocks are out of sync with our surroundings, it can have negative effects on our health. For instance, eating when our body expects us to sleep can disrupt our metabolism. However, maintaining a consistent schedule for eating and fasting can help maintain the health of our biological clocks and improve our metabolism. This scientific understanding is providing us with new insights into the optimal times for meals to promote our overall health.
Does the circadian clock impact blood sugar levels?
Yes, In 2021 a study was conducted where they kept healthy volunteers awake when they’d normally be asleep. At the same time, they gave them a steady supply of sugar. This helped them separate the body’s internal clock from the usual ups and downs of blood sugar findings showed that the internal body clock has a big role in how blood sugar behaves. In the constant sugar infusion method, people had high blood sugar and insulin levels when they’d normally be sleeping. This suggests that the body clock affects how blood sugar works.
Is it true that breakfast after 9 am increases the diabetes risk?
The answer is uncertain, because there are many mixed studies.
A 2022 study said people who had breakfast after 9 AM had a lower risk of diabetes compared to those who ate between 7-9 AM. However, this association was more significant for individuals with high blood sugar levels at the beginning of the study and not as clear for those with normal blood sugar levels. Breakfast habits alone may not determine diabetes risk, as other factors also play a role.
In a 2023 study it was written that individuals who had their breakfast between 8 AM and 9 AM demonstrated the best diabetes control, with 28.5% classified as having normal control and a significant 54.8% showing good control. In contrast, those who delayed breakfast until between 9 AM and 10 AM exhibited poorer diabetes control, with only 3.4% categorised as having normal control and nearly half, at 49.7%, falling into the poor control category. The most concerning trend emerged when breakfast was postponed until between 10 AM and 11 AM, as none had normal diabetes control, and a staggering 92.7% had poor control of diabetes.
Dr Shalin Nagori, Consultant Pathologist and Industrial Physician, City Pathology Laboratory, Panchmahal, Gujarat, said “The timing of your breakfast, such as eating it after 9 am, doesn’t inherently cause a rise in blood sugar levels. Instead, it’s primarily influenced by the composition of your breakfast, portion size, and individual metabolic factors. Foods with a high glycemic index, like sugary cereals or pastries, can lead to rapid blood sugar spikes regardless of the time you consume them. To manage blood sugar levels, it’s advisable to opt for lower GI foods, control portion sizes, and consider your overall diet. Keep in mind that individuals vary in their response to meals and meal timing due to factors like genetics and insulin sensitivity. Engaging in physical activity after breakfast can also help regulate blood sugar levels, and consistency in meal timing is beneficial for overall stability.”
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