Stress at work 'raises diabetes risk

August 18, 2014  23:51

The study, from the Institute of Epidemiology in Munich, followed 5,337 men and women aged between 29 and 66 who were in full-time work. Over a 12-year period, nearly 300 of the subjects – who were previously healthy – developed type 2 diabetes.

As well as measuring body mass index (BMI) and family medical history, researchers quizzed volunteers on their stress levels at work. High job strain was defined as being faced with huge demands but having little control over how things are done.

When the researchers matched patients with the work stress results, they found those who were under most pressure were 45 per cent more likely to have developed diabetes.

The findings – published by journal Psychosomatic Medicine – showed that even among workers with relatively healthy BMIs, stress at work was still a significant risk factor.

A high BMI of 30 or more is usually seen as the diabetes danger zone. 

Researcher Professor Karl-Heinz Ladwig said: ‘According to our data, roughly one in five people in employment is affected by high levels of stress at work.

It’s not clear how high levels of job strain lead to diabetes but it’s possible that constant exposure to raised levels of stress hormones upsets the body’s glucose balance. High blood glucose levels can damage the body’s circulation and major organs.

Dr Alasdair Rankin, director of research at Diabetes UK,  said scientists are beginning to investigate the role that stress and long working hours play  in the development of the condition.

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