Sleep Deprivation and Type 2 Diabetes: Nutrition Alone Isn’t the Answer
A team of Swedish researchers from Uppsala University has found that severe sleep deprivation in adults raises the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and that healthy eating on its own cannot fully compensate for this increased risk. The findings were published in the journal JAMA Network Open (citation: JAMA Network Open, 2023).
Earlier studies have established that chronic sleep loss is linked to a higher likelihood of type 2 diabetes, while regular fruit and vegetable intake can help lower that risk. The investigators sought to determine whether good nutrition alone could mitigate the diabetes risk associated with insufficient sleep. The study’s co-author noted the aim was to explore whether dietary factors could offset sleep-related risk, though the author’s professional identity is a somnologist who contributed to the analysis (citation: JAMA Network Open, 2023).
Researchers analyzed data drawn from the UK Biobank, a large repository containing health and genetic information from hundreds of thousands of participants in the United Kingdom. A comprehensive review of health records and lifestyle data showed that sleeping only three to five hours per night markedly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
While proper nutrition can reduce the threat somewhat, it does not eliminate the risk entirely. Experts emphasize that to minimize the possibility of developing type 2 diabetes, it is important not only to follow a healthy diet but also to maintain an adequate sleep duration, aiming for at least six hours per night.
Additional observations point to how body weight indicators relate to diabetes risk. The study underscores that weight-related factors play a significant role alongside sleep patterns, reinforcing the connection between metabolic health and lifestyle choices.
In summary, the evidence suggests that sleep health and dietary habits interact to influence diabetes risk. Sleep deprivation heightens vulnerability to metabolic disorders, and while nutrition contributes to risk reduction, it cannot fully counterbalance the consequences of insufficient sleep. The practical takeaway is clear: prioritizing consistent sleep duration alongside healthy eating supports better long-term metabolic health, particularly in populations with high prevalence of sleep disturbances and weight-related risk factors.