“Eating two larger meals a day (breakfast and lunch) is more effective than six smaller meals in a reduced-energy regimen for patients with type 2 diabetes

The study, published diDiabetologia (journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes) showed that the two great meals better for weight control and blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes compared to six small meals a day with the same total calories.

The study was conducted by Dr. Hana Kahleová et al from the Diabetes Centre, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic. The study assessed 54 patients (29 men, 25 women) aged 30-70 years with a BMI of 27-50 kg / m 2 and HbA1c 6 to 11.8% (42-105 mmol / mol) who underwent an oral diabetes medication. They were asked to follow one of two calorie-restricted diets, each containing 500 calories less than the recommended daily amount, which is about 1,300 calories for women and 1,900 for men. One diet contained six small meals (A6) and the other diets containing two large meals ie breakfast and lunch (B2). In this study, the participants were divided into two groups each consisting of 27 patients. Each group underwent one of two diets for 12 weeks, and then later switch to another program for 12 weeks. Body weight, blood sugar levels, liver fat, insulin sensitivity and beta cell function in the pancreas that produce insulin from the participants was measured by using a variety of techniques and mathematical modeling.
The researchers found that weight loss in both programs, more on B2 (3.7 kg) than the A6 (2.3 kg). Decreased liver fat content was greater in B2 (-0.04%) compared A6 (-0.03%). Fasting glucose and C-peptide decreased in both programs, is also greater in B2. Fasting plasma glucagon (a hormone that converts glycogen back into glucose) decreased in the B2 program, but increased in the A6. Oral glucose insulin sensitivity (OGIS) increased in both programs, greater in B2. No side effects were observed in both programs.
The authors say, "The only breakfast and lunch lose weight, liver fat, fasting blood glucose, C-peptide and glucagon, and increased OGIS, greater than the same caloric restriction but by dividing meals into six times. These results indicate that, for patients with type 2 diabetes, calorie-restricted diet with breakfast and lunch servings are probably more profitable than six small portions during the day. "

They added, "The new treatment strategies should consider not only the energy and macronutrient content, but also the frequency and time to eat. Long-term study was needed before offering recommendations on the frequency of eating ".