Chrononutrition and sleep according to cognitive function status: an analysis of patterns and circadian misalignments in individuals with diabetes mellitus

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess differences in chrononutrition and sleep patterns, as well as social jetlag (SJL), eating jetlag (EJL), and preferred-based misalignments, among individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) according to cognitive status. Cognitive function was screened using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, with scores <21 indicating cognitive impairment. Chrononutrition and sleep patterns, as well as SJL, EJL, and misalignments, were assessed using the Chrononutrition Profile Questionnaire. Group comparisons were performed using t-tests or Mann–Whitney tests in crude analyses, followed by adjusted robust linear or quantile regression models according to variable distribution. Among the 365 participants, crude analyses suggested small differences between groups, with individuals with cognitive impairment showing earlier patterns (e.g. Cohen’s d ranging approximately from 0.12 to 0.31 across variables). However, these associations were not sustained after adjustment for demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical covariates. No significant differences were observed for SJL or EJL in either crude or adjusted analyses. In conclusion, chrononutrition and sleep patterns, as well as SJL, EJL, and misalignment variables, did not differ according to cognitive status in individuals with DM after adjustment. Further longitudinal studies are needed to clarify these relationships.