Staying up late could affect more than fatigue levels the next day as new research suggests the possibility of higher blood sugar and diabetes risks for night owls.
Scientists using data from the Western New York Health Study of 1,455 participants reported that impaired fasting glucose, a condition that can lead to type 2 diabetes, was five times more common in those sleeping less than six hours on a work night than among those sleeping six to eight hours.
Type 2 diabetes affects young and old alike, with teens and young adults the most rapidly growing segment of those affected by the chronic disease which can lead to renal and organ failure.
Dr. Lisa Rafalson says that the study supports the idea that lack of sleep can lead to “adverse health issues,” adding that while genetic links to diabetes have been found, the sleep-impaired glucose link was unrelated and would require further study to determine the specific hormone and nervous system effects of reduced sleep.
Those who cant find enough hours in the day to sleep for more than six hours may look to chromium, a nutritional health supplement linked to lowering blood sugar naturally. 