Chronotype, chrononutrition and glucose tolerance among prediabetic individuals: research protocol for a prospective longitudinal study Chrono-DM™

Background Chronotype and chrononutrition, both are emerging research interests in nutritional epidemiology. However, its association with glycemic control in the Asia population is less clear. A better understanding of how activity/eating time can influence glucose levels in Asian prediabetic individuals may improve strategies for blood glucose control in Asian countries. The present paper describes the research protocol which aims to determine the associations of chronotype and chrononutrition with glucose tolerance among Malaysian prediabetic individuals. Methods This is a prospective longitudinal study named Chrono-DM (TM), that targets to recruit 166 newly diagnosed prediabetic individuals from the community clinics in Malacca, Malaysia. Respondents will be followed-up for 6 months: (1) baseline (1(st) oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)); (2) second visit (at 3(rd) month); and (3) third visit (2(nd) OGTT at 6(th) month). Data collection includes sociodemographic and anthropometry measurements (weight, height, body fat, visceral fat, waist and hip circumference). Dietary intake and meal timing are collected using the 3-day dietary record while data on sleep pattern, light exposure, chronotype and chrononutrition will be collected using validated questionnaires. Physical activity will be recorded using a validated IPAQ questionnaire and pedometer during periods of using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor. CGM, fasting blood sugar (FBS), OGTT and HbA1c are performed to assess glycemic outcomes. Discussion The Chrono-DM (TM) study represents a novel approach to determining the association of chronotype and chrononutrition with glycemic control. We anticipate that this study will not only review the association of chronotype with glycemia measure but also provide greater insight into optimal meal time for glycemic control among prediabetic individuals in the Asian population.

Automated summary

This paper presents a research protocol aiming to investigate the associations between chronotype, chrononutrition, and glucose tolerance in Malaysian prediabetic individuals. The study will collect data on sociodemographic factors, anthropometry, dietary intake, meal timing, sleep pattern, light exposure, and physical activity. Glycemic outcomes will be assessed using continuous glucose monitoring, OGTT, and HbA1c. The study aims to provide insights into optimal meal timing for glycemic control in the Asian population.