Diabetes through shift work

Shift workers are at increased risk for diabetes

01/09/2014

The development of diabetes is associated with a range of risk factors, including genetic predisposition and overweight, as well as working hours. Shift workers are generally at increased risk for diabetes, the news agency reports „dpa“ citing the testimony of Michael Nasterlack, expert of the German Society of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Medicine (DGAUM).

According to the DGAUM, shift work is certainly a risk to health, even though it remains unclear why shiftworkers are increasingly developing diabetes. This need not necessarily be related to changing working hours, but could also be due to a generally unhealthier lifestyle of shift workers - with a less well-balanced diet and lack of exercise. However, the thesis of a negative influence of changing working hours on the metabolism has not yet been refuted.

Avoid other diabetes risk factors
Although the causes have not yet been conclusively clarified, the increased diabetes risk of shiftworkers can not be dismissed, which is why DGAUM recommends employees in shifts to pay particular attention to avoiding other risk factors such as lack of exercise and being overweight. Shift workers should pay more attention to a balanced diet and exercise regularly, reports the „dpa“ citing the DGAUM expert Michael Nasterlack. It is advisable, for example, to do sports for at least twice a week for one hour.

Check-up for shift workers
In view of the generally increased health risks in shift work, according to the DGAUM the employees are entitled to an occupational medical examination every three years according to the Labor Law. These should urgently use shift workers, so that possible diabetes and other diseases can be detected early and thus further health consequences can be avoided. According to the German Society for Occupational Medicine and Environmental Medicine, the costs of the check-up are borne by the employer for shift workers. (Fp)