Effect of Meal Frequency on Insulin Regulation in Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of meal frequency on total insulin secretion and insulin response in individuals who were engaged in physical activity. Methodology: The research was carried out at the Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, and examined how meal frequency affected the insulin responses in physically active participants (PAP) who were gathered from five sports clubs and four gyms. A sample size of 25 participants was determined based on power analysis. Data collection involved two days of dietary intervention, isocalorie on day one and two meals per day on day two, utilizing blood samples and using Calbiotech ELISAkit at predetermined intervals to test insulin levels. Descriptive statistics and other statistical tests like ANOVO and post HOC analysis were all included as part of the statistical analysis. Result: On day one, insulin levels at 15, 30, and 60 minutes ranged from 15.75 to 25.39 mIU/L, while on day two, particularly in the morning session, insulin levels were signifcantly lower, ranging from 7.23 to 19.51 mIU/L. Significant positive correlation was observed between muscle mass & weight(r=0.632), waist circumference with BMI(r=0.941) and AUC of insulin with age (r=0.554). Conclusion: The significance of personalized dietary strategies for maximizing metabolic conditions in physically active individuals highlights the complex interplay between exercise, meal frequency as well as insulin dynamics.