Lack of sleep had an effect on diabetes

Insufficient sleep affected the risk of type 2 diabetes. This conclusion was reached by scientists from Sweden.

The problem of sleep deprivation is widespread all over the world. One recent study showed that only 15% of people manage to sleep seven to nine hours at least five times a week. Lack of sleep negatively affects physical and psychological well-being and impairs thinking skills. A new research paper has shown that people who sleep three to five hours a night are more susceptible to type 2 diabetes than those with a better sleep schedule.

Researchers from Sweden's Uppsala University examined more than 10 years of data from the British Biobank (one of the largest demographic databases in the world). The database contained information about almost half a million people, namely about their genetic features, health status and lifestyle. The corresponding scientific article was published in JAMA Network Open.

Scientists found a link between sleep duration of less than six hours and a high risk of type 2 diabetes. According to them, the reason for this could be various consequences of sleep deprivation. For example, with lack of sleep impaired cell sensitivity to insulin, energy metabolism of skeletal muscle shifts toward non-glucose oxidation, increases the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiota (a set of different types of microorganisms that inhabit the human gut. - Editor's note).

The researchers also disproved the common belief that sleep deprivation can be compensated for by healthy eating. The eating behavior of the respondents was assessed using data on weekly consumption of red meat, processed meats and fish, as well as daily intake of fruits and vegetables. Although a balanced eating habit reduced the risk of developing diabetes, those who slept less than six hours were still more likely to develop the disease than those who managed to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep.

"The results of our study cast doubt for the first time on the claim that a healthy diet can compensate for lack of sleep in terms of type 2 diabetes risk. The findings should not cause concern, but they should be seen as a reminder that sleep plays an important role in maintaining health," said the authors of the scientific paper.

The scientists emphasized that when assessing the link between sleep deprivation and type 2 diabetes, it is important to consider the causes of short sleep. If a person sleeps little because of apnea, that is, stopping breathing during sleep, it may increase the risk of diabetes. In addition, the study authors suggested focusing on ways to reduce this risk beyond getting more sleep. They noted that for many adults, the task of sleeping longer each day may not be feasible due to life circumstances.

At the same time, the scientists reminded that the effects of sleep deprivation vary from person to person. This is due to genetic differences and individual actual need for sleep.

Previous studies have shown that type 2 diabetes affects more than one and a half billion people worldwide. This disease affects the processing of glucose, preventing the body from responding to insulin properly. Because of this, blood sugar levels become high and blood vessels and nerves are destroyed. Among the consequences of type 2 diabetes are many serious illnesses, including heart disease, stroke, dementia and total blindness.