Highlights
This randomized crossover trial reveals compelling evidence that dietary protein source profoundly influences metabolic health in type 2 diabetes. The study demonstrates that a dairy-enriched diet with structured meal timing yields significant improvements across multiple domains: circadian clock gene expression increased by 1.4- to 2.2-fold, fasting glucose decreased by approximately 1.7 mmol/l, and subjective hunger and sweet craving scores reduced by 15-20% compared with a non-dairy dietary approach. These findings suggest that the timing and composition of dietary protein may constitute a modifiable factor in diabetes management through circadian regulatory mechanisms.
