Diabetes Risk Higher Among Black Women Who Work Night-Shifts

Statistics show that diabetes can be more common among African Americans than other racers. Furthermore, it is typically more common in women than men.

Now, recent findings published in the journal Diabetologia shows that the night shift work can further increase the risk of this health issue.

"In view of the high prevalence of shift work among workers in the U.S.A. -- 35 percent among non-Hispanic blacks and 28 percent in non-Hispanic whites -- an increased diabetes risk among this group has important public health implications," noted the study authors from Slone Epidemiology Center at Boston University, in a news release.

For the study, researchers examined over 28,000 black women in the United States who were diabetes-free in 2005. Thirty-seven percent of the participants said they worked night shifts, while five percent said they had worked the night shift for at least 10 years.

Over the span of an eight-year follow-up, close to 1,800 cases of diabetes were diagnosed among the women.

When compared to never working night shifts, the risk of diabetes was 17 percent higher for one to two years of night shifts. After three to nine years of shift work, the risk of diabetes jumped to 23 percent. The risk was about 42 percent higher for 10 or more years of night work.

Adjusting for body mass index (BMJ) as well as certain lifestyle factors, including diet and smoking, still showed a 23 percent increased risk of developing diabetes. Furthermore, those who ever worked a night shift had a 12 percent increased risk of developing the health issue, as well. Researchers also found a stronger link in younger women than older women. 

Science can't explain all the connections between such increased risks. However, many believe that circadian rhythms may have something to do with diabetic issues. As these are otherwise known as the body's natural timekeepers, when they're thrown off, this can upset the natural balance and metabolism, increasing weight gain and other related health problems.

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