Comparing the effects of three versus six meals on diabetes management

Effect on Glycemic Variability, Weight and Oxidative Stress Markers FGF 21 in a Low Calorie Diet of Three Meals Compared With a Conventional Low Calorie Plan of Six Meals in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes With Overweight or Obesity

Not applicable Interventional Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran · NCT04127994

This study tests whether eating three meals a day or six meals a day helps people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar and weight better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorInstituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ciudad de mexico)
Trial IDNCT04127994 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of meal frequency on glycemic control in overweight or obese patients with type 2 diabetes. Participants will be divided into two groups, one consuming three meals and the other six meals per day, both following a low-calorie diet. The study aims to assess how these different meal frequencies affect blood glucose levels, weight management, and overall health outcomes. Clinical evaluations and nutritional assessments will be conducted to ensure participant eligibility and monitor health changes throughout the study.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are overweight or obese adults aged 40-70 with type 2 diabetes, controlled with oral hypoglycemic agents and an HbA1c level below 9%.

Not a fit: Patients with type 1 diabetes, severe obesity, or those with a history of hospitalization in the last three months may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into optimal meal frequency for better diabetes management and weight loss.

How similar studies have performed: While meal frequency has been studied in various contexts, this specific comparison of three versus six meals in type 2 diabetes patients is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Oral hypoglycemic agents
* HbA1c \<9%
* Less than 10 years of evolution
* Diabetes Mellitus type 2
* Overweight or obese
* Age 40-70 years
* BMI ≥25 to \< 40 kg/m

Exclusion Criteria:

* Obesity 3rd grade
* DM 1
* Hospitalization in the last 3 months
* \>10 years of evolution
* HbA1c \>9%
* Pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Ciudad de mexico

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Diabetes Mellitus Type 2Overweight and ObesityMeal Time
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.