Tuesday, December 11, 2018 Diabetes and Women If you’re a woman working long work hours, take note. Women who work 45 hours or more each week could be more likely to develop diabetes, a new Canadian study suggests. Guide Magazine Researchers at the Institute for Work & Health in Toronto tracked 7,065 workers aged 35 and older over 12 years. None of them had diabetes at the start of the study. About 8 percent of the women and 12 percent of the men did develop diabetes by the end of the study. Work hours didn’t appear to influence the risk of diabetes for men. But women working at least 45 hours per week were 63 percent more likely to develop diabetes than those working 35 to 40 hours weekly. Working more hours on the job and at home might make women more prone to chronic stress, inflammation, and hormonal changes that could contribute to diabetes, researchers note in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care. Previous research has linked job stress and long hours to an increased diabetes risk, but most of these studies have focussed on men. A few lifestyle changes—shorter shifts, exercise breaks, a healthier diet, and quitting smoking—can help busy women reduce their diabetes risk. 6 Things You Should Know about Diabetes 1. Worldwide, nearly 1 in 10 adults had diabetes in 2014. 2. It will be the 7th leading cause of death by 2030, according to the World Health Organization. 3. Type 2 diabetes is associated with obesity and aging. It develops when the body can’t properly use or make enough insulin to convert sugar in the blood into energy. 4. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to nerve damage, amputations, blindness, heart disease, and strokes. 5. Exercise, weight loss, and a healthy diet can help control blood pressure and minimize other complications. 6. Stress reduction is advised because stress may directly contribute to a spike in blood sugar or lead to unhealthy habits that cause complication. Sources: Reuters, BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care You might be interested in Standing Your Ground, and Staying Steady on the Job 4 Jun 2026 CLAC Partners with Alberta Government to Advance Skilled Trades Training and Accelerate Certification 4 Jun 2026 Strathcona Mechanical Workers Ratify New Agreement Providing Wage, Scheduling Improvements 3 Jun 2026 Ready to Deliver 3 Jun 2026