From the Guidelines
Yes, there is substantial evidence connecting sleep patterns to diabetes risk, with poor sleep quality, insufficient sleep duration, and sleep disorders increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as supported by the latest study from 2025 1.
Key Findings
- The latest ADA-EASD consensus report highlights sleep as a central component in the management of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, placing it on the same level as other lifestyle behaviors such as physical activity and nutrition 1.
- A U-shaped association between sleep duration and type 2 diabetes incidence has been established, with the nadir typically occurring at 7 hours per day, and short or long sleep duration increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 50% 1.
- Poor sleep quality is associated with a 40-84% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and chronotype preference has been linked to many chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes 1.
Recommendations for Diabetes Prevention
- Adults should aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as recommended by the latest guidelines 1.
- Maintaining consistent sleep-wake schedules, treating any sleep disorders, practicing good sleep hygiene, and managing stress can complement other diabetes prevention strategies like healthy diet and regular exercise 1.
- Sleep-promoting routines and habits, such as establishing a regular bedtime and rise time, creating a dark, quiet area for sleep, and limiting caffeine and nicotine in the evening, can improve sleep quality and reduce the risk of diabetes 1.
Importance of Sleep in Diabetes Management
- Sleep disturbances are associated with less engagement in diabetes self-management and may interfere with glucose levels within the target range among people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes 1.
- Detection and treatment of sleep disorders should be considered a part of standardized care for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as it can improve sleep outcomes and possibly insulin resistance 1.
From the Research
Association Between Sleep Patterns and Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
- There is evidence to suggest that sleep patterns are associated with the risk of developing Diabetes Mellitus (DM) 2.
- A study found that longer daily sleep duration was associated with lower postprandial glucose levels in Asian adults without diabetes 2.
- Another study highlighted the importance of sleep health in education, clinical practice, and public health promotion, emphasizing that sleep is essential to health 3.
- The National Sleep Foundation's sleep time duration recommendations provide guidelines for healthy individuals, and sleep durations outside the recommended range may be associated with serious health problems 4.
Lifestyle Factors and Diabetes Management
- Diet, physical activity, and sleep are all important lifestyle factors that can impact postprandial glucose responses and diabetes management 2, 5.
- Consuming less refined grains and more protein-rich foods, getting more physical activity, and having a longer sleep duration were associated with lower postprandial glucose levels in Asian adults without diabetes 2.
- Physical activity has been shown to improve insulin action and can help prevent and control type 2 DM 5.
- Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) can be used to monitor and identify appropriate blood glucose controlling interventions, and can take into account factors such as sleep patterns and physical activity 6.