"Chronic desynchronisation between physiological and environmental rhythms not only decreases physiological performance but also carries a significant risk of diverse disorders such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, sleep disorders, and cancer," the researchers wrote.
The circadian clock involves two major pathways. The first, which responds to light, has been well characterised. The second, which responds to food, is less understood. Through experiments in cells and mice, Dr Akashi and his colleagues found, using cell culture, that insulin may be involved in resetting the circadian clock.
"Insulin-mediated phase adjustment of the clock in feeding-relevant tissues may enable the synchronization between mealtime and tissue function, leading to effective digestion and absorption," they note.
"In short, insulin may help the stomach clock synchronise with mealtime."
The researchers' findings provide valuable information on how to adjust the circadian clock through dietary manipulation.
"For example, for jet lag, dinner should be enriched with ingredients promoting insulin secretion, which might lead to a phase advance of the circadian clock, whereas breakfast would be the opposite," says Dr Akashi.
The findings also suggest that clock adjustments through feeding might not work well in individuals with insulin resistance, a characteristic of patients with type 2 diabetes. Also, there may be side effects related to the circadian clock when treating patients with insulin.