Effect Of Meal Frequency On Insulin Response And Total Insulin Secretion In Physically Active People

Abstract

Aims: To investigate the impact of meal frequency on insulin response and total insulin secretion in physically active people.

Methods: The research was conducted as a carefully designed experimental cross-over study at the Department of Biochemistry and Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, after ethical approval. Using non-probability convenience sampling, the study took place from June 2023 to November 2023, adhering to a prior study's sample size calculations and clear inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results: The results indicated that while there were slight variations in the mean insulin area under the curve between one-day and two-day meal patterns, these differences lacked statistical significance (p = 0.853). However, initial measurements at specific time intervals showed noticeable correlations, suggesting changing insulin response patterns in the early stages of the study. Additionally, significant associations were found between meal frequency, age, body composition, waist circumference, and insulin response.

Conclusion: This research suggests that meal frequency may influence insulin response patterns in physically active adults, with significant associations at certain time intervals and correlations with specific body composition characteristics, contributing to our understanding of how meal frequency impacts insulin regulation in this demographic.