Sleep Habits Could Influence Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Investigators also found that a change in brain functional network connectivity could also be associated with type 2 diabetes risk.
Changed brain functional network connectivity as well as sleep habits can influence the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), according to results of a study published in Diabetology and Metabolic Syndrome. The authors stated that the “critical function that brain networks play in modulating the link between sleep patterns and the prevalence of T2DM.”1
Investigators also found that a change in brain functional network connectivity could also be associated with type 2 diabetes risk. | Image Credit: BoszyArtis - stock.adobe.com
T2D and sleep frequently coexist, according to authors of a study in Cureus. They said the patients with T2D can experience sleep issues, which cause issues with their health, mood, and overall quality of life. Further, sleep conditions, such as sleep apnea, can increase the risk of metabolic diseases. The authors suggest that people with T2D should be screened for sleep disturbances and given proper care.2
In an article published in Diabetes Care, sleep was integrated into the management of type 2 diabetes with 3 key constructs: quantity, quality, and timing. They added, “Sleep education can play a fundamental role in ensuring individuals understand the relationship between sleep and overall well-being. In particular, it may include information on sleep health, sleep cycles, or consequences of insufficient sleep or sleep hygiene tips and may be delivered using a variety of methods.”3
In the current study, investigators conducted a 2-stage analytical approach. In the first stage, investigators analyzed the association between sleep duration and T2D using the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study and National Health and Nutrition Examination Study cohorts. Then, they applied Mendelian randomization analyses to determine the potential causal relationships between sleep patterns, brain functional networks, and T2D.1
Investigators included 8652 patients from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study who did not have T2D and were 45 years or older. Approximately 52.6% were female, and the mean nighttime sleep duration was 6.3 hours with an average nap time of 0.5 hours. From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study, investigators included 6985 people with an average age of 47 years and 51% were female. This group has an average daily sleep duration of 7.19 hours. In the logistic regression model, daytime naps of 0 to 0.25 hours and more than 0.5 hours were associated with an increased risk of T2D. Further, nighttime sleep durations of less than 5 hours and more than 9 hours were also associated with an increased risk of T2D.1
Further, the investigators found that sleep duration had a nonlinear relationship with glycosylated hemoglobin as well as fasting glucose, but there was a significant increase in glycated hemoglobin concentrations for sleep durations of under 5 hours and over 8 hours. The data showed excessive sleeping, daytime napping, daytime dozing, and insomnia also are associated with an increased risk of T2D.1
“Our mediation MR analysis revealed that sleep habits may indirectly influence the onset of T2DM by modulating the connectivity of functional brain networks, such as the DMN [default mode network], motor network, and CEN [central executive network],” the study authors concluded.1 “Our results highlight the critical role of proper sleep management in preventing T2DM and suggest that future studies should include larger Asian cohorts to further validate and generalize our findings.”
READ MORE: Diabetes Resource Center
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