Why Diabetes is Spreading: The Key Cause Revealed and How to Protect Yourself

Karachi: Diabetes is spreading like an epidemic worldwide, including in Pakistan, and a major cause of this rise has now been identified. According to research conducted by the University of Oberta de Catalunya in Spain, consuming excess calories at certain times of the day, particularly after 5 PM, significantly increases blood sugar levels.
The study found that after 5 PM, consuming up to 45% of the day’s total calories can raise blood glucose levels. Interestingly, this effect occurs regardless of body weight or the amount of body fat, meaning even individuals with a healthy weight can experience elevated blood sugar.
The study involved 26 participants aged between 50 and 70 years, all of whom were overweight and showed early signs of Type 2 diabetes. The participants were divided into two groups and their blood sugar levels were compared based on their eating habits. One group consumed most of their daily calories before 5 PM, while the other consumed 45% or more of their daily calories after 5 PM.
Despite both groups consuming the same amount of food and calories, those who ate more in the evening showed higher blood sugar levels, particularly after consuming carbohydrate- and fat-rich foods.
Researchers explained that insulin sensitivity decreases in the evening, leading to a higher blood sugar response after meals. They emphasized that the timing of meals is crucial for diabetes prevention. To reduce the risk of developing diabetes, individuals should aim to consume the majority of their calories earlier in the day, particularly at breakfast and lunch, and limit food intake after 5 PM, avoiding foods like fast food, ultra-processed meals, and high-fat foods.
This study highlights the importance of meal timing in controlling blood sugar levels and could have significant implications for dietary habits. The findings were published in the journal Nutrition & Diabetes.
Globally, the number of people with diabetes has doubled over the past 30 years, reaching more than 800 million, with Pakistan being the fourth most affected country. According to research published in The Lancet, the prevalence of diabetes in adults worldwide has increased from 7% in 1990 to 14% in 2022, with the highest rise observed in low- and middle-income countries.