Do smaller late-night meals improve blood sugar increases in patients with type 2 diabetes?

This study examined if eating a divided dinner late at night had an impact on blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

They found that patients who ate a divided meal late at night improved increased blood sugar (hyperglycemia) following the meal (postprandial). 

Postprandial hyperglycemia refers to when a patient experiences a sharp increase in blood sugar following a meal. In patients with type 2 diabetes, postprandial hyperglycemia has been linked to vascular (blood vessel) complications.

Managing postprandial glucose levels with regular, nutritionally balanced meals is important. It is not clear whether a late-night dinner may negatively impact postprandial glucose management. 

This study sought to investigate the effects of a divided late-night dinner on postprandial glucose in type 2 diabetes patients. 16 patients were included in this crossover design (patients switch between treatments) study. On three test days, patients were assigned either to consume a divided dinner (in two parts) at 6pm and 9pm or a single meal at 6pm or 9pm. Patients wore a continuous glucose monitor for 5 days to measure blood glucose levels.  

Patients who ate the late (9pm) dinner had a sustained postprandial hyperglycemia (glucose levels of 8.72 mmol/L) compared to patients who ate the divided meal (glucose levels of 8.09 mmol/L). 

This study concluded that a single, late-night dinner causes pronounced postprandial hyperglycemia, compared to the divided meal. 

This was a very small study (16 patients). A much larger numbers would be required in order to draw any definitive conclusions. The duration of the study was short, long-term studies needed to establish chronic effects. 

If you have any concerns about blood glucose or nutritional management, please discuss this with your physician.