Metabolism: A Consistent Daily Routine Improves Blood Sugar Control in Diabetes
16:45 12 October, 2026The body's ability to maintain a regular daily routine is associated with better blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. Patients with stable daily biological rhythms are more likely to keep their glucose levels within the target range than those with irregular routines. This is the conclusion of researchers from Korea University's College of Medicine. The findings were published in the journal Metabolism.
The study involved 122 patients with type 2 diabetes who were using insulin. For ten days, participants wore continuous glucose monitors and fitness trackers.
These devices allowed researchers to track sleep quality, physical activity, heart rate, and the stability of daily biological rhythms. The latter refers to the ability of the body's internal clock to maintain the regularity and stability of physiological processes according to a circadian cycle of approximately 24 hours, despite external disruptions such as stress.
The analysis showed that 46.3% of participants with the most stable biological rhythms achieved their target blood glucose levels. In the group with irregular daily routines, the figure was 20%.
“Physical activity also played an important role. The most favorable effects were observed in participants who were more active between noon and 6 p.m. They spent more time with their blood sugar within the normal range, and their glucose fluctuations were less pronounced,” the researchers noted.
In addition, sufficient sleep — seven to nine hours per night — was associated with more stable blood glucose levels and a lower risk of hypoglycemia, a potentially dangerous drop in blood sugar.