Insomnia and Diabetes Risk
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Insomnia may increase diabetes risk
Recently reported in the medical journal, Diabetes Care, insomnia in men may lead to an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. A study looked at over 1100 subjects between the ages of 45-65 years old, over a 12-year period. The subjects were randomly selected and asked to fill out a questionnaire that assessed the risks for developing diabetes.
Diabetes in Men
According to the study, men who get no more than 5 hours of sleep per night on average, were nearly three times more at risk for becoming diabetic than normal men. The study also showed that men who have insomnia had an increase risk of becoming diabetic of nearly 5 times.
The study did adjust the results for age, and other risk factors, including: high blood pressure, snoring, body weight, and depression.
Insomnia and Women
Interestingly, the study, which looked at men and women, did not find an increase in risk of diabetes in women who experienced insomnia or 5 hours of sleep or less.
Why the Link?
The researches for this study say there are many ways sleep deprivation can increase the risk for diabetes. One explanation is poor sleep has been related to the activation of the stress system. Another reason is linked to the metabolism.