People With Insomnia At Higher Risk Of Developing Type 2 Diabetes, Finds Study

People suffering from insomnia are at an increased risk of type-2 diabetes, reveals a novel study involving over 336,999 UK adults.

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Reported first by the Independent, the study was conducted by researchers from Bristol Medical School and MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit. They looked at five sleep measures -- insomnia, sleep duration, daytime sleepiness, napping and morning/evening preference related to blood sugar levels (which were assessed by HbA1c levels).

Researchers discovered that frequent insomnia symptoms caused the HbA1c levels to rise, eventually implying the fact that they have an integral role in the development of type-2 diabetes.

Also read: Lights Out: Light Exposure During Sleep Increases Heart Attack & Diabetes Risk

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Dr Faye Riley, research communications manager at Diabetes UK, said: ¡°This new study, funded by Diabetes UK, gives us important insights into the direction of the relationship between sleep and type 2 diabetes, suggesting that insufficient sleep can cause higher blood sugars levels and could play a direct role in the development of type 2 diabetes. Knowing this could open up new approaches to help prevent or manage the condition.¡±

Riley added, ¡°However, it¡¯s important to remember that type 2 diabetes is a complex condition, with multiple risk factors. Eating a healthy balanced diet, being active, along with getting enough sleep, are all essential components of good health for everyone, including those at risk of, or living with, type 2 diabetes.¡±

The study calls for future studies to assess the impact of insomnia treatments on glucose levels in individuals with and without diabetes, and to develop potential new treatments for preventing and treating diabetes.

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