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The significance of a proper sleep at night is widely recognized, however, researchers have recently discovered a concerning consequence of inadequate rest.
According to research, individuals who consistently sleep less than six hours per night have a 16% increased likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, even if they maintain a healthy diet.
A study of data gathered from approximately 250,000 adults in the UK indicates that individuals who sleep only three to four hours a night may have a 41% increased chance of developing a certain condition compared to those who sleep more than seven hours. Meanwhile, sleeping for about five hours was linked to a 16% higher risk.
According to Christian Benedict, a sleep researcher and associate professor at Uppsala University in Sweden, the results “should not be a cause for worry, but rather serve as a reminder of the significant impact of sleep on our overall health.”
He suggested that prioritizing sleep is usually the best option, but he also acknowledged that it may not always be feasible, particularly for parents of four teenagers.
Untreated Type 2 diabetes can result in severe health complications.
The scientists stated that more research is necessary to confirm the results, but also mentioned that their investigation implies that a nutritious diet alone cannot make up for long-term lack of sleep.
It is estimated that more than 4.4 million people in the UK are living with type 2 diabetes and some 13.6 million are at increased risk of developing the condition.
Type 2 diabetes impacts the body’s capacity to metabolize sugar, obstructing the absorption of insulin and causing elevated blood sugar levels.
include increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger
Common signs of type 2 diabetes are excessive thirst, frequent need to urinate, and intense appetite.
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In the long run, it can result in severe harm, specifically to nerves and blood vessels.
The researchers examined the health records of 247,867 adults in the UK Biobank, a database that stores medical and lifestyle information for over 500,000 individuals. Their findings were published in the journal Jama Network Open.
They sought to determine if individuals who have insufficient sleep can lower their chances of developing type 2 diabetes by maintaining a healthy diet.
The guidelines for a nutritious diet involved limiting unprocessed red meat to less than two servings per week and processed meat to less than two servings per week, consuming at least four tablespoons of vegetables daily, eating two or more pieces of fruit daily, and having two or more servings of fish per week.
The researchers explained that they accounted for variables including race, smoking habits, the use of antidepressants, body weight, blood pressure, level of education, socioeconomic status, and level of physical activity.
In a span of 12 years, 7,905 individuals received a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
The study revealed that individuals with the healthiest eating habits had a 25% reduced chance of developing type 2 diabetes.
However, individuals who got less than six hours of sleep per day were still at a higher risk.
Dr Lucy Chambers, head of research communications at Diabetes UK, stated that type 2 diabetes is not caused by a single factor.
The factors of genetics, age, and body weight are commonly acknowledged to play a role, but insufficient sleep is often overlooked as a significant factor.
This study indicates that having a nutritious diet is not enough to counteract the increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes due to insufficient sleep. It serves as a reminder that maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition, exercise, and adequate sleep, is crucial for overall well-being.
Professor Benedict mentioned that poor sleepers may be at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes due to multiple factors. These could include being physically inactive, having reduced skeletal muscle function in balancing blood sugar, and experiencing negative shifts in gut bacteria.
According to him, research on lengthening sleep has shown that people tend to consume less sugar and calories, potentially leading to improved overall metabolic health in the long run.
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