Working night shifts can make it harder for people with Type 2 Diabetes to manage their condition, according to new research.
A study led by researchers at King’s College London found that people working night shifts struggle more to manage their condition than those working during the day. The findings were published in the journal Diabetic Medicine.
The research followed 37 health care workers, including nurses and midwives, over a 10-day period. Participants were monitored during night shifts, day shifts, and rest days. They wore glucose monitors and activity trackers while also keeping detailed food diaries.
Researchers found that blood sugar levels fluctuated more widely during night shifts. At the same time, participants consumed more calories, with a noticeable increase in energy intake coming from sweet snacks.
Lead researcher Rachel Gibson said the problem is not simply personal choice. It is often the result of limited access to healthy food during overnight hours.
“What struck me is that these are people who work in health care, yet they don’t have access [to] a healthy nighttime food environment or tailored dietary advice,” Gibson said.
“These people might have been advised by their doctors to eat healthily to manage their diabetes, but if food choices are limited during the night, they might be unable to do so,” she added.
The study points to a common issue for night workers. Vending machines and 24-hour cafés often offer foods high in sugar and fat, with few nutritious alternatives. Many workers also lack the time or facilities to prepare and store meals, leaving them dependent on convenience foods.
Researchers also observed that night shifts significantly extend waking hours. Participants stayed awake for around 22 hours during a night shift. That compares to about 17 hours on a day shift and 16 hours on a day off.
This irregular pattern may further complicate blood sugar control. Scientists say more research is needed to fully understand how these changing daily rhythms affect long-term health.
The study is one of the first to track how shift patterns affect diet and glucose levels within the same individuals, rather than comparing separate groups of workers.
Co-author Nicola Guess said the research was partly inspired by patients themselves.
“Some of the ideas for this research came from people living with T2D who told us that managing their diabetes while doing shifts was challenging, and they wanted more research in this area,” Guess said.
Experts say the findings raise concerns not just for individuals, but also for employers and health care providers. Gibson noted that many doctors do not routinely ask patients about their work schedules, even though job demands can directly affect diet and health habits.
“Many clinicians don’t ask questions about work, despite this study revealing just how much of an impact someone’s nature of work can have on their behavior and dietary choices,” Gibson said.
She added that employers should take nutrition more seriously as part of workplace health programs.
The researchers say better access to healthy food during overnight hours and more personalized guidance could help people with type 2 diabetes manage their condition more effectively while working night shifts.