[ad_1]
Leaving an interval of two hours between the last meal of the day and bedtime does not seem to be badociated with a noticeable difference in blood glucose levels in the healthy adult in the long term, suggests a Japanese research published in the online journal BMJ Nutrition, Prevention and Health.
Avoiding eating a meal or nibbling shortly before going to bed is considered better for long-term health. In Japan, the recommended distance is two hours at least three times a week.
But, based on their findings, the researchers suggest that it might be best if people sleep enough and keep their weight, their alcohol consumption and their smoking by avoiding the risk of diseases badociated with lifestyle, such as diabetes and heart disease, which are badociated. with high blood sugar.
In Japan, people aged 40 to 74 undergo regular health checks to try to reduce the risk of lifestyle-related illnesses that increase with age.
This check includes a blood glucose test and an badessment of lifestyle and eating habits, for example if people leave a recommended interval of 2 hours between dinner and bedtime.
But there is no clear evidence behind this practice, say the researchers. They therefore decided to evaluate its potential impact on HbA1c levels – a measure of average long-term glucose, considered a reliable indicator of future health risks.
They did this by carefully reviewing the health check data of 1,573 healthy middle-aged and older adults with no underlying diabetes-related conditions in a town in Okayama Prefecture for the years 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Two-thirds of the sample were women and two-thirds were over 65 and retired.
In addition to eating habits, the researchers looked at how many people were smoking; their level of physical activity; weight gain since the age of 20; consumer style (fast or slow); how much they drank each day; and they've skipped breakfast.
A total of 83 (16%) men and 70 (7.5%) women fell asleep within 2 hours of eating.
Complete data were obtained for 1531 adults for all three years. When HbA1c levels were higher initially, they increased over time, but overall, this increase was gradual over three years.
And the average HbA1c did not change significantly between 2012 (5.2%) and 2013 and 2014 (5.58%), which is in the normal range. There was also no significant difference between men and women.
Weight (BMI), blood pressure, blood lipids (triglycerides), level of physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption appear to be more closely badociated with changes in HbA1c levels. rather than in the interval between meal and sleep.
It is an observational study that does not establish the cause. Nor were the researchers able to gather information about the precise timing or content of the evening meal, two factors that may have had a determining influence.
The traditional Japanese diet contains a lot of vegetables and soup, and the portions are small. The results may not be applicable to other countries, the researchers add.
Nevertheless, they conclude: "Contrary to popular belief, ensuring a short interval between the last meal of the day and bedtime does not have a significant impact on HbA1c levels. .
"Greater attention should be given to healthy portions and foods, adequate sleep and prevention of smoking, alcohol consumption and overweight, these variables being a deeper influence on the metabolic process. "
###
Peer examined? Yes
Type of evidence: observational
Topics: People
Warning: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of the news releases published on EurekAlert! contributing institutions or for the use of any information via the EurekAlert system.
Source link
