Insufficient Sleep Linked to Increased Risk of Diabetes, Regardless of Diet, Study Finds
Getting enough sleep is crucial for our overall health and well-being. It helps us consolidate our memories, aids in physical recovery, and plays a role in preventing various health conditions such as heart disease, obesity, neurodegenerative disorders, and depression. However, a staggering one in three adults in the U.S. reports not getting enough sleep, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Now, a new study from Uppsala University in Sweden suggests that insufficient sleep may also increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, regardless of diet.
Type 2 diabetes affects approximately one in ten Americans, with the majority of cases falling under this category. This type of diabetes occurs when the body’s cells become resistant to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. While risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include being overweight, lack of exercise, genetics, and diet, this study adds insufficient sleep to the list.
The research, published in the journal JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from 247,867 participants enrolled in the UK BioBank, a biomedical database that investigates the role of genetics and environment in various diseases. The participants were divided into four sleep categories: normal sleepers (7 to 8 hours per night), mild short sleepers (6 hours per night), moderate short sleepers (5 hours per night), and extreme short sleepers (3 to 4 hours per night). Their dietary habits were also evaluated based on the consumption of red meat, processed meat, fruits, vegetables, and fish.
After approximately 12 years, the participants underwent a follow-up examination. During this period, around 3.2 percent of them had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. By comparing these diagnoses with the original data, the researchers discovered that individuals who slept less than six hours per night were significantly more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes, with the risk increasing as sleep duration decreased. Surprisingly, this association persisted even among those who followed a healthy diet.
“These findings suggest that adopting a healthy diet may not reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes among those with habitual short sleep duration,” the researchers concluded.
It is important to note that these results are purely observational, and further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms behind this association. However, this study serves as a wake-up call, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing sleep alongside diet and exercise to safeguard our overall health.
If you have any health concerns or questions about diabetes, you can reach out to us at health@newsweek.com. We can consult experts for advice, and your story might even be featured on Newsweek.
At Newsweek, we are committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground. We strive to provide valuable insights and information to our readers, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
