Just one day of binge eating could increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, new research suggests.
Overeating fatty foods over a 24-hour period increases blood glucose levels and lowers insulin sensitivity, a study found. Both of these have previously been linked to type 2 diabetes’ onset.
Senior author Dr Carl Hulston from Loughborough University, said: ‘This is important as excess sugar levels can be toxic. Not only this, but sustained over-production of insulin – by the pancreas – can lead to pancreatic dysfunction and an inability to produce insulin when it is needed.
‘These facts highlight the need to be conscious of what we eat and how it might affect our health.’
The researchers add their findings demonstrate the importance of not overindulging while on holiday or at times of celebration.
Just one day of binge eating could increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, new research suggests
How the research was carried out
The researchers analysed 15 young, healthy adults who underwent an oral glucose tolerance test before and after consuming a high-fat, high-energy diet for one day.
Their diet included foods such as sausages, bacon, fried eggs, cheese, beef burgers and cheesecake.
The glucose test involved the study’s participants consuming a sugary drink.
They then had their glucose and fatty acid levels measured, as well as their insulin sensitivity.
One day of eating a high-fat diet reduces insulin sensitivity
Results reveal just one day of eating a high-fat diet significantly increases people’s blood glucose levels and reduces their insulin sensitivity.
Both elevated blood sugar levels and lowered insulin sensitivity are associated with type 2 diabetes. Poor insulin sensitivity is also linked to blood vessel damage, heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure and even certain cancers.
The findings were published in the journal Nutrients.
Elevated blood glucose levels and poor insulin sensitivity are linked to type 2 diabetes
‘We need to be conscious of what we eat and how it affects our health’
Senior author Dr Carl Hulston said: ‘This is important as excess sugar levels can be toxic.
‘Not only this, but sustained over-production of insulin – by the pancreas – can lead to pancreatic dysfunction and an inability to produce insulin when it is needed.
‘These facts highlight the need to be conscious of what we eat and how it might affect our health.’
Study author Siôn Parry added: ‘Our data suggests that a single day of high-fat overfeeding is sufficient to impair whole-body insulin sensitivity in young, healthy individuals; this may have implications for those with binge-eating disorders, or those who overeat during holiday periods or at times of celebration.
‘We do not know how long the negative effects of this diet last, or whether repeated periods of short-term, high-fat overfeeding leads to a progressive worsening of glycaemic control.
‘Overall, although our dietary model was quite extreme, our data highlights the rapidity with which high-fat overfeeding can negatively impact glycaemic control.