Early risers may have lower risk of diabetes and heart disease than late risers RutgersU Diabetes HeartDisease WakeTime EarlyRiser
By Dr. Sanchari Sinha Dutta, Ph.D.Sep 21 2022Reviewed by Aimee Molineux A study published in the journal Experimental Physiology highlights that people with early chronotype use more fat during rest and exercise and exhibit more sensitivity to insulin. They remain more physically active throughout the day and have a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
In the current study, scientists have evaluated the dynamics of energy metabolism among early and late chronotypes during rest and exercise. Both resting and exercise carbohydrate and fat oxidation were determined to measure energy fuel preference. In addition, heart rate and rating of perceived exertion were assessed. Physical activity patterns, body composition, and insulin sensitivity for non-oxidative glucose disposal were also determined.
At resting conditions, early chronotypes showed higher fat oxidation than late chronotypes. During moderate and high-intensity exercises, both groups exhibited increased carbohydrate oxidation. However, early chronotypes maintained a higher level of fat oxidation during all exercise conditions. Study significance The study reveals that early chronotypes with metabolic syndrome utilize more fat during rest and exercise than their late chronotype counterparts. This metabolic activity in early chronotypes does not depend on the level of physical fitness and light physical activity per day.