Lack of Sleep Increases Type 2 Diabetes Risk, Despite Healthy Diet

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open underscores a concerning association between short sleep duration and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Led by Christian Benedict, an Associate Professor at Uppsala University, the research suggests that individuals consistently sleeping for only three to five hours per day may face an increased likelihood of developing this metabolic disorder.

Despite the emphasis on healthy eating, the study reveals that insufficient sleep cannot be compensated for by dietary habits alone. Benedict, recognizing the challenges in prioritizing sleep, particularly for busy individuals or parents, stresses the importance of addressing sleep deprivation given its potential health implications.

Using data from the UK Biobank, researchers, including Diana Noga from Uppsala University, followed nearly half a million participants over a decade to examine the link between sleep duration and type 2 diabetes risk. Their findings highlight that while maintaining a healthy diet is associated with a reduced risk, individuals who sleep less than six hours per day, regardless of their dietary habits, still face an elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes.