28 June, 2016

Shift workers at higher risk of diabetes

People working irregular hours with night and rotating shifts are at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This was revealed in a recentstudy where researchers observed the sleeping pattern and blood sugar levels of professionals working in shifts at IT and BPO companies in Pune for about two years.

"We found that any amount of shift work is linked to around 10% greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes.Those working in rotating shifts on regular basis were at 40% greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes," said researcher Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, who heads the public health survey and studies section of the city-based NGO United World Against Diabetes.

"The findings are not unexpected," he said, adding that it has been said time and again that good night's sleep is important for one's well-being.

A total of 1,266 employees, mainly working in shifts at IT firms and call centers in and around the city , were observed as a part of the study. The employees were in the age bracket of 20 years to 42 years.

Between 2014 and 2016, the researchers kept a tab on the blood pressure, weight and random blood sugar levels of the employees. "Employees whose blood investigations showed elevated sugar levels were followed up consistently to arrive at their risk for developing diabetes. Other than diabetes, the employees working mainly in night shifts were also suffering from obesity, some even had high blood pressure and were suffering from insomnia," Upadhyay said.

When contacted, senior diabetologist C S Yajnik, head of diabetology department at KEM hospital, said, "Sleep deprivation is associated with obesity, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. People with irregular working hours and those who work in different shifts need to take extra precautions as far as factors like diet, stress management and proper exercise are concerned."

Source: www.timesofindia.com

28.06.2016

The people who accept criticism are the ones who are genuinely interested in self improvement