Diabetes risk rises by 21 per cent in women who have mentally tiring jobs as experts say stress hormones affect their ability to regulate blood sugar
- The INSERM institute in France surveyed more than 70,000 women over 22 years
- The study was then published in the European Journal of Endocrinology
- Stress hormones are believed by some experts to make people put on weight
It may be the last news that high-flying women want to hear when they are already feeling the pressure.
But mentally tiring work may increase their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
A study of more than 70,000 women over 22 years found that they were 21 per cent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if they found their jobs mentally tiring.
The study published in the European Journal of Endocrinology found that the women were 21 per cent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if they found their jobs mentally tiring (file image)
Stress hormones are believed by some experts to make people put on weight around their middle and produce less insulin needed to regulate blood sugar.
Researchers took dietary habits into account, so the results cannot necessarily be explained by comfort eating.
Dr Guy Fagherazzi, who led the study from the INSERM medical research institute in France, said: ‘Although we cannot directly determine what increased diabetes risk, our results indicate it is not due to typical type 2 diabetes risk factors.
‘This finding underscores the importance of considering mental tiredness as a risk factor for diabetes among women.’
Stress hormones are believed by some experts to make people put on weight around their middle and produce less insulin needed to regulate blood sugar (file image)
The study, published in the European Journal of Endocrinology, tracked women who were mainly teachers and asked how ‘mentally tiring’ they found their job.
More than 4,000 went on to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Dr Fagherazzi said: ‘Greater support for women in stressful work environments could help prevent chronic conditions.’