In December 2017 researchers from Thailand and the USA published the results of their study to assess whether night-shift workers with type 2 diabetes experience poorer glycaemic control than non-shift workers. The circadian rhythm plays a role in regulating metabolism and it is known that night-shift work can cause a form of circadian misalignment. A total of 249 individuals with diabetes type 2 (104 unemployed, 85 day workers and 60 night-shift workers) were involved in the stgudy. Information on sleep duration, sleep quality, morningness-eveningness preference, depressive symptoms and dietary intake was collected via questionnaires. Haemoglobin A1c levels were assessed in each individual. Results showed that night-shift workers had significantly higher haemoglobin A1c levels than day workers and unemployed individuals. A comparison of levels in day workers and unemployed individuals revealed no difference. In addition, night-shift workers tended to be younger, have a higher body mass index, and consumed more daily calories than the other two groups. It was also noted that among night-shift workers, no significant difference in haemoglobin A1c levels was seen between those performing rotating or non-rotating shifts.
Manodpitipong A et asl. Night-shift work is associated with poorer glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. J Sleep Res. 2017 Dec;26(6):764-772.