'Evening Preference' Linked to Higher Weight in People with Prediabetes

If you are night owl struggling with your weight, you may want to consider becoming early bird instead. A new study has found people with prediabetes who have an “evening preference,” have a higher body mass index than those who do things earlier in the day.

Prediabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet type 2 diabetes.

The study compared patients with prediabetes who go to bed, eat meals, and are more active and alert later in the day with those who do things earlier in the day. 

They found that patients with an “evening preference” have a higher body mass index than those with a “morning preference.” Researchers say the difference is likely related to those night owls not getting enough sleep.

Insufficient sleep has been linked to higher weight and the risk of developing diabetes. Since patients with prediabetes are already at a very high risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, modifying time of day preference could be a way to reduce that risk.

Almost of a quarter of West Virginia adults have either prediabetes or diabetes.

The study was published this month in the journal Frontiers of Endocrinology.

Appalachia Health News is a project of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, with support from the Marshall Health, Charleston Area Medical Center and WVU Medicine.