Higher risk of diabetes in shift workers
Those who work in night shifts or rotating (day/night) shifts are at a higher risk of developing type-2 diabetes.
A study done in Pune, India revealed this – researchers had observed the sleeping pattern and blood sugar levels of professionals working in shifts at IT and BPO companies in Pune for about 2 years.
“We found that any amount of shift work is linked to around 10% greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Those working in rotating shifts on regular basis were at 40% greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes,” said researcher Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, who heads the public health survey and studies section of the city-based NGO United World Against Diabetes.
‘The findings are not unexpected,’ he said, adding that it has been said time and again that good night’s sleep is important for one’s well-being.
1,266 employees, in the age group 20 to 42 years, mainly working in shifts at IT firms and call centers in and around the Pune city were a part of the study.
Researchers observed blood pressure, weight and random blood sugar levels of the employees between 2014-16.
‘Employees whose blood investigations showed elevated sugar levels were followed up consistently to arrive at their risk for developing diabetes. Other than diabetes, the employees working mainly in night shifts were also suffering from obesity, some even had high blood pressure and were suffering from insomnia,’ Upadhyay said.
Senior diabetologist Dr C S Yajnik, head of diabetology department at KEM hospital, Mumbai said, ‘Sleep deprivation is associated with obesity, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. People with irregular working hours and those who work in different shifts need to take extra precautions as far as factors like diet, stress management and proper exercise are concerned.’
If you have to work in night shifts or rotational shifts then it is your good habits – healthy diets, regular exercises, stress-reducing measures, proper rest and sleep, no smoking, alcohol in moderation, etc – that will help you reduce health risks!
