Rotating Night Shift Work and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Two Prospective Cohort Studies in Women
Summary
This large prospective study combined data from more than 177,000 U.S. nurses followed for up to 20 years. Women who worked rotating night shifts for longer periods had a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The risk rose with years of exposure, with those reporting 20 or more years of rotating night duty showing the greatest increase. Part of the effect was explained by higher body weight, but even after accounting for weight and lifestyle factors, long-term shift work was still linked to greater diabetes risk.
Why It Matters For Night Shift Workers and Night Owls
This study shows that the structure of a work schedule can shape long-term metabolic health. Women who worked rotating night shifts for many years were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, even after considering weight and lifestyle. For individuals, it underscores the importance of regular blood sugar checks and maintaining healthy habits if working rotating shifts. For employers, it suggests that reducing years of rotating night duty and supporting preventive health measures could help lower diabetes risk.
Notes
Open access (PLOS Medicine).