Disrupted Sleep Can Increase Type 2 Diabetes Risk

Filed in archive Lifestyle , Research on March 23, 2008

Each time your sleep is disrupted, you lose time of deep sleep. Deep sleep is also called short-wave sleep.





Now, according to a new study from the University of Chicago Medical Center, the lack of deep sleep can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes:

The University of Chicago study found that after only three nights of reduced slow-wave sleep, young healthy subjects became less sensitive to insulin. Although they needed more insulin to dispose of the same amount of glucose, their insulin secretion did not increase to compensate for reduced sensitivity, resulting in reduced tolerance to glucose and increased risk for type 2 diabetes.

The decrease in insulin sensitivity was comparable to that caused by gaining 20 to 30 pounds.

Previous studies have demonstrated that reduced sleep quantity can impair glucose metabolism and appetite regulation resulting in increased risk of obesity and diabetes. This current study provides the first evidence linking poor sleep quality to increased diabetes risk.

Well, I only have my unhealthy lifestyle to blame for my disrupted sleep patterns. Do you?

Find more details from University of Chicago Medical Center.