Effects of diet, lifestyle, chrononutrition and complementary food interventions on postprandial glycemia and insulin resistance

As years progress, we are found more often in a postprandial than a postabsorptive state. Chrononutrition is an integral part of metabolism, pancreatic function and hormone secretion. Eating earlier during the day, avoiding late dinner, and keeping consistent number of daily meals and relative times of eating occasions seem to play a pivotal role for postprandial glycemia and insulin sensitivity. Sequence of meals and nutrients also play a significant role, as foods of low density such vegetables/salads/soups consumed first followed by protein and then by starchy foods lead to ameliorated glycemic and insulin responses. There are several dietary schemes available, such as intermittent fasting regimes, which may in some cases improve glycemic and insulin responses. Weight loss is important for the treatment of insulin resistance, and it can be achieved by many approaches, with Mediterranean diets being one of the best. Lifestyle interventions with small weight loss (7-10%), 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise and behavioral therapy approach can be highly effective in preventing and treating type 2 diabetes. Similarly, decreasing carbohydrates in meals and eating most of the carbohydrates at lunch time also improve significantly glycemic and insulin responses. Complementary foods or ingredients, such as vinegar, should also be considered in ameliorating postprandial glycemia and insulin resistance. This review aims to describe the available evidence about the effects of diet, chrononutrition and complementary food interventions on postprandial glycemia and insulin resistance.