Metabolic Consequences of Irregular Meal Patterns in Adults at High Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61336/jdme.0602.03Keywords:
Meal timing, irregular meals, prediabetes, insulin resistance, metabolic risk, glucose regulation, dietary patternAbstract
Irregular meal patterns may influence glucose regulation, insulin sensitivity, and other metabolic characteristics among individuals at increased risk of type 2 diabetes. This study evaluated the association between meal-timing irregularity and metabolic parameters in adults with prediabetes or other established metabolic risk factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 adults aged 35–65 years. Meal timing and daily eating frequency were assessed using a structured dietary questionnaire, while fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c, lipid profile, and anthropometric measurements were obtained. Participants with greater variability in meal timing had higher fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, triglycerides, and waist circumference than those with more consistent meal patterns. Irregular meal timing was also associated with lower HDL cholesterol and higher fasting glucose. After adjustment for age, sex, BMI, total energy intake, physical activity, and sleep duration, greater meal-timing variability remained independently associated with HOMA-IR. These findings suggest that irregular eating patterns may be associated with an unfavorable metabolic profile among adults at high risk of type 2 diabetes.
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