Study of Early Versus Late Time-Restricted Eating with Calorie Reduction to Improve Blood Sugar and Heart Health in Overweight Adults with Prediabetes or Type 2 Diabetes

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how restricting eating times combined with moderate calorie reduction affects blood sugar control and heart health in people who are overweight or obese, including those with normal glucose levels, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes. The study aims to understand differences between eating mainly in the morning versus mainly in the evening and explores the biological mechanisms behind these effects. This trial is conducted by the German Institute of Human Nutrition using a crossover design. Participants will follow two different 8-hour eating windows one mainly in the morning early time-restricted eating and one mainly in the evening late time-restricted eating. Each eating phase lasts five weeks, separated by a 10 to 12-week break. During each phase, participants reduce their daily calorie intake by 25% and replace one meal with a calorie-reduced product. The timing of meals is adjusted according to each persons natural daily rhythms chronotype. During the study, participants will undergo various assessments including continuous glucose monitoring to track 24-hour blood sugar levels, measurements of insulin, glucagon, cholesterol, body weight, body composition, blood pressure, and inflammation markers. Researchers will also study gene expression, microbiome changes, sleep patterns, and quality of life. The total study duration includes two five-week intervention periods plus a washout phase, with detailed monitoring throughout to evaluate the impact of meal timing on metabolic health.

Precise Eating Time to Improve Glycemic Control and Cardiometabolic Health in Prediabetes and Diabetes