Emotional Workplace Demands Linked to Diabetes Risk
A new study suggests a concerning link between emotionally taxing jobs and an elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The research highlights the potential impact of workplace stress on metabolic health, especially for those in roles requiring constant interaction with others.
Stressful Jobs May Increase Diabetes Risk
Researchers have found a possible connection between demanding emotional labor at work and an increased risk of developing diabetes. The research suggests that those experiencing high emotional demands in their jobs, combined with limited social support, may face a significantly higher risk. The study was published in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
The analysis, conducted by the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, looked at a large group of people. They examined data from around 30 lakh individuals who were part of a study group in 2005. The participants, aged between 30 and 60, had no prior history of diabetes diagnosis or medication use.
“High exposures to emotional demands and confrontation were respectively associated with 20 per cent and 15 per cent increased risks of type 2 diabetes in men, and 24 per cent and 20 per cent in women,”
—Study Authors
The study examined various workplace interactions across twenty different job roles within the service, healthcare, hospitality, and education sectors. These interactions included general interactions, emotional demands in stressful situations, and instances of confrontation. Data from between 2006 and 2020 revealed that more than two lakh people developed type 2 diabetes.
The Details of the Research
Between 2006 and 2020, the researchers discovered that over two lakh individuals developed type 2 diabetes. Notably, around 60 percent of those affected were men. Those who developed the condition tended to be older and more likely to be born outside of Sweden. They also had lower educational attainment and less control over their jobs, compared to those who did not develop diabetes.
Chronic stress can affect the endocrine system, leading to increased cortisol production, which may increase insulin resistance. This is one biological mechanism suggested by the researchers. This is supported by data from the CDC, who report that diabetes affects over 37 million people in the United States.