Working lots of overtime may be bad for you. New research suggests that women who clock 45 or more hours a week have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes than those who work 35 to 40 hours weekly.
The researchers aren’t sure why extra work may boost diabetes risk, or why this link was only found in women, but they suspect it is related to the hours of unpaid work at home that women tend to engage in more than men. Women today take the majority of responsibility for caring for family and housework.
Type 2 diabetes is on the rise. By 2030, it’s estimated that 439 million people worldwide will live with the disease, up 50% from 2010, the researchers said. Diabetes is a major risk factor for other chronic diseases, such as heart disease and stroke.
The study found no statistically significant link between men’s work hours and developing type 2 diabetes. But in women, working 45 hours or more was associated with at least a 50% increased risk of developing diabetes.
The study authors suggested that long work hours may cause a stress response that can lead to hormone imbalances and insulin resistance that may contribute to the development of diabetes.
Working overtime and long hours is bad for our health. What changes can we make to remedy that? Visit us at SelfCare for HealthCare™ to learn more. Interested in LeAnn Thieman’s keynote speaking, training and workshops? Email lthieman@leannthieman.com.
