Dietitian shares optimal time to consume your last meal of the day for 'better blood sugar' levels
Elevated blood sugar levels can pave the way to health complications
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Diet is a crucial element for people living with high blood sugar, but timing meals is equally important to ensure glucose doesn't peak and valley.
Left unchecked, elevated blood sugar levels can pave the way to serious health complications, so the earlier they're managed, the better.
The timing of meals may also be worth considering when managing glucose as it could influence how high blood sugar levels rise throughout the night.
In 2021, research published in the medical journal Nutrients uncovered that eating dinner earlier is favourable for healthy blood sugar levels.
Maintaining a consistent routine can help regulate blood sugar
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The findings specifically found that eating dinner at 6pm rather than 10pm could be key to maintaining healthier blood sugar levels.
The practice, known as early time-restricted eating (ETRE), encourages following the same morning and night-time regimen when consuming meals.
Registered dietitian and nutritionist Mei Wan stressed that the importance of establishing proper night-time routines for blood sugar management.
Not only does high glucose play its part in disrupting sleep but it also causes damage to the nerve endings.
"Creating the right bedtime routine can support better blood sugar control overnight," she told GB News.
She also recommended maintaining consistent bedtimes and wake time to regulate the body's natural rhythms that influence glucose levels.
"Aim to enjoy your last meal two to three hours away from bedtime, be mindful of your portions and aim for a meal that's not too rich in fats," Wan advised.
Eating high-sugar snacks or alcohol near bedtime is equally ill-advised, with Wan suggesting lighter, low-glycaemic alternatives, if snacking is necessary.
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Consuming sugary foods before bedtime is ill-advised
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For individuals managing diabetes, proper meal spacing throughout the day is equally important as dinner timing, according to WebMD.
Medical guidance suggests that breakfast should be consumed within 90 minutes of waking up.
Subsequent meals should be spaced four to five hours apart to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Snacks should also be incorporated between meals if hunger strikes, the health body noted.
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