0
0
SINGAPORE – A groundbreaking study has revealed a significant link between poor sleep health and the increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) in women with a history of gestational diabetes (GDM). Researchers from the Global Centre for Asian Women’s Health (GloW) and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS Medicine), in collaboration with Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, published their findings in JAMA Network Open on March 5, 2025.
Gestational diabetes, a common pregnancy complication affecting up to 30% of pregnancies globally, significantly elevates a woman’s risk of developing T2D later in life. In Singapore, more than 40% of women with a history of GDM may develop T2D within five years post-pregnancy. While lifestyle factors like diet and exercise are known preventive measures, this study highlights the crucial, yet often overlooked, role of sleep.
The research, led by Professor Zhang Cuilin and Dr. Yin Xin, analyzed data from nearly 3,000 women with a history of GDM over 17 years from the Nurses’ Health Study II. The findings revealed that women who slept six hours or less per night had a 32% higher risk of developing T2D compared to those who slept the recommended seven to eight hours. Additionally, regular snoring, defined as snoring most nights or every night, was associated with a 61% increased risk.
Alarmingly, women experiencing both short sleep duration and regular snoring faced more than double the risk of T2D compared to those with healthy sleep patterns. Furthermore, regular snoring was linked to unfavorable glucose metabolism biomarkers, including elevated levels of HbA1c, insulin, and C-peptide, indicating potential metabolic dysfunction.
“Our research highlights that improving sleep habits—such as increasing sleep duration and addressing snoring—can be a powerful, actionable step in preventing type 2 diabetes among women with a high-risk of diabetes,” said Professor Zhang.
She emphasized the importance of expanding prevention strategies to include sleep health, especially given the rising prevalence of GDM and diabetes, particularly in Asia. Dr. Yin added, “Women with GDM may have had sub-optimal glucose metabolism even before pregnancy,” underscoring the need for early intervention.
This study opens new avenues for diabetes prevention, and the researchers are now focusing on developing tailored interventions for Asian women, including improving sleep quality, diet, and other lifestyle factors, as well as understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms.
More information:
Xin Yin et al, Sleep Characteristics and Long-Term Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Among Women With Gestational Diabetes, JAMA Network Open (2025). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.0142
Journal information: JAMA Network Open
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information provided and should not be taken as medical advice. Individuals with concerns about their sleep or diabetes risk should consult with a healthcare professional. The statistics referenced pertain to the study conducted and may not be universally applicable. Future research may yield different results.
