Clocking in extra hours at work? Beware¡ªexperts warn of high risk of developing diabetes

Working for long hours has become a normal routine for the majority of the population across the globe. But did you know that long working hours can have detrimental effects on your overall health? Studies have found that extended working hours can lead to chronic diseases, including diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is the leading public health concern across the globe, including India, with an estimated count of 74.9 million people living with diabetes, mainly among the age group of 20-79 years in 2021. By 2045, the estimated number is projected to jump to 124.9 million. In the current times, multiple factors are contributing to the rise in diabetes incidences, including lack of physical activities, stress, poor or sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and alcohol consumption. But how is diabetes linked to long working hours?

A study published in the BMJ Diabetes Research & Care found a link between long working hours and the risk of developing diabetes among men. It found that working 45 hours or more a week is linked to a higher risk of diabetes among women but not men.

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Long working hours often lead to irregular eating habits, lack of physical activity, and lack of adequate sleep, all of which play a role in diabetes development. ¡°Stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol, which can cause insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Additionally, extended hours of desk work promote a sedentary lifestyle, reducing the body's ability to regulate blood sugar effectively,¡± explains Dr. Pranav Ghody, an American-trained and board-certified endocrinologist at the Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central.

Long Hours, Big Risks: How do long working hours lead to diabetes?

Research shows that working over 45 hours a week can lead to chronic stress, poor sleep, and unhealthy lifestyle habits, including irregular meal times, physical inactivity, and inadequate nutrition.

Dr. Anusha Nadig, Consultant, Endocrinology, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore, says, ¡°Long working hours can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This can disrupt insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and hormonal balance, ultimately contributing to diabetes. Regular breaks, exercise, and healthy habits can help mitigate this risk.¡±

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Studies have shown that individuals working more than 55 hours per week are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes than those with standard work hours. Women, in particular, may face a greater risk due to hormonal fluctuations and the additional stress of balancing work and family responsibilities.

With long working hours, poor lifestyle and eating habits are major contributors

Poor eating habits, such as skipping meals or consuming high-calorie, processed foods during work hours, further contribute to weight gain and metabolic issues. According to Dr. Ghody, "Irregular meal timings disrupt the body¡¯s insulin response, leading to spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels. Sleep deprivation, another common consequence of long working hours, often leads to consumption of high-calorie foods due to extra time awake, ultimately impacting glucose metabolism and increasing the risk of insulin resistance.¡±

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To mitigate these risks, adopting a healthy work-life balance is crucial. Incorporating regular breaks for movement, eating balanced meals, managing stress through relaxation techniques, and prioritising adequate sleep can significantly lower the likelihood of diabetes.

Consulting healthcare professionals for periodic health check-ups and early interventions can also play a pivotal role in preventing the onset of diabetes and ensuring long-term health despite demanding work schedules.

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