Night owls have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a recent study. People who prefer staying up late, also known as night owls, are more likely to have an unhealthy lifestyle, including smoking and an unhealthy diet. Although lifestyle contributes to the increased risk, researchers suggest that other factors may also play a role. To reduce the risk of diabetes, night owls are advised not to eat late at night.
The study, conducted in the Netherlands, analysed data from over 5,000 people to assess their sleep patterns, waist circumference, BMI, and risk of type 2 diabetes. The findings, to be presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) meeting, revealed that individuals who stay up late have a 46% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those with an intermediate sleep pattern.
Dr Jeroen van der Velde from Leiden University Medical Centre highlighted that the circadian rhythm of late chronotypes might be out of sync with societal schedules, leading to metabolic disturbances and diabetes risk. Night owls also tended to have higher BMI, larger waist circumference, and more fat content in the body. Dr van der Velde suggested considering time-restricted eating, such as avoiding late-night meals, to potentially mitigate the risk.
Another study at the EASD meeting indicated that patients treated with systemic steroids have a higher likelihood of developing diabetes. Researchers at the University of Oxford examined over 450,000 adults without diabetes, revealing an association between systemic steroid use during hospitalization and new-onset diabetes.
These findings provide important insights into managing diabetes risk factors, offering potential strategies for prevention and management. As researchers continue to explore the relationship between lifestyle, medication, and health outcomes, individuals can consider adopting healthier habits to reduce their risk of diabetes.