This is a prospective longitudinal study named Chrono-DMTM, that targets to recruit 166 newly diagnosed prediabetic individuals from the community clinics in Malacca, Malaysia. Respondents will be followed-up for 6 months: (1) baseline (1st oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)); (2) second visit (at 3rd month); and (3) third visit (2nd OGTT at 6th month). Data collection includes sociodemographic and anthropometry measurements (weight, height, body fat, visceral fat, waist and hip circumference). Dietary intake and meal timing are collected using the 3-day dietary record while data on sleep pattern, light exposure, chronotype and chrononutrition will be collected using validated questionnaires. Physical activity will be captured using a validated IPAQ questionnaire and pedometer during periods of wearing Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor. CGM, fasting plasma glucose (FBG), OGTT and HbA1c are performed to assess glycemic outcomes.
Chronotype and chrononutrition, both are emerging research fields in nutritional epidemiology. However, its association with glycemic control in the global population is less clear. A better understanding of how activity/ eating time can influence glucose levels in prediabetic individuals may improve strategies for blood glucose control. The present paper described the research protocol which aims to determine the associations of chronotype and chrononutrition with glucose tolerance among prediabetic individuals in Malaysia.