Protein Intake Timing and Quality in Type 2 Diabetes: Interactions with Circadian Rhythm and Physical Activity

Nutritional interventions in type 2 diabetes management are evolving to consider not only the overall amount and quality of macronutrients but also the timing of their intake in relation to circadian cycles and habitual physical activity. Emerging research suggests that the dose, type (animal versus plant), and distribution of protein intake throughout the day may have notable effects on glycemic control and cardiometabolic risk factors beyond those of total daily intake alone. However, the precise contributions and interactive effects of protein source, timing, circadian rhythm alignment, and exercise are not fully understood, with existing studies often reporting heterogeneous outcomes or failing to account for real-world lifestyle patterns such as shift work or irregular sleep. This ongoing debate highlights the need for more rigorous and contextually rich investigations, particularly in light of individual variability related to both genetic and phenotypic factors.This Research Topic aims to clarify how the amount, timing, and source of dietary protein, in combination with circadian alignment and physical activity, affect glucose regulation and lipid metabolism in people with type 2 diabetes. Its principal objective is to synthesize emerging evidence, resolve controversies regarding the metabolic impact of protein timing and quality, and identify optimal strategies for combining diet with lifestyle modifications. The aim also extends to exploring individualized approaches based on chronotype, sleep patterns, and genetic or phenotypic differences, with a view to enabling precision nutrition interventions that can be implemented in clinical practice.The scope encompasses clinical and applied human studies in adults with type 2 diabetes, with a principal focus on interventions, observational studies, mechanistic research, and translational applications that address real-life behaviors and health outcomes. Pre-clinical and basic science studies will be considered if they clearly inform clinical translation. To gather further insights within these boundaries, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:o The impact of protein dose, timing, and source (animal vs. plant) on glycemic control and lipid outcomes in type 2 diabeteso Interactions between meal timing, protein intake, and circadian rhythm in metabolic regulationo The influence of physical activity and its timing on protein metabolism and insulin sensitivityo Precision nutrition approaches, including individual differences due to chronotype, genetics, or phenotypic variability in type 2 diabeteso Effects of combined dietary and lifestyle interventions (e.g., protein timing plus exercise) on clinical endpoints such as HbA1c, postprandial glucose, and lipid profileso Translational or community-based studies applying chrononutrition and personalized protein recommendations in diabetes careArticle types eligible for submission include original research articles, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, clinical trial reports, brief research reports, case studies, perspectives and opinion pieces, methodological papers, and mini-reviews Topic editors: Itziar Lamiquiz-Moneo, Sofia Pérez-Calahorra, Irene Gracia-Rubio Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78242/protein-intake-timing-and-quality-in-type-2-diabetes-interactions-with-circadian-rhythm-and-physical-activity