Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Development in Nurses: Does Shift Work Affect It

Abstract

Shift work systems contribute to chronic disease development. This study examined shift work systems' effect on nurses' risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This descriptive, cross-sectional study of 278 nurses between April 15 and July 15, 2024, used data from an online survey using a "Nurse's demographic form" and the "Finnish Type 2 Diabetes Risk Score." The snowball sampling technique was used. The study found 56.1% of nurses worked 24-h shifts (08:00-08:00), and 39.2% worked eight or more night shifts monthly. A significant relationship existed between shift work duration and type 2 diabetes development (p = 0.005). The risk of type 2 diabetes increased with longer durations of work in different shifts. Nurses with 11-15 years' experience working day shifts and 24-h shifts had a lower risk of type 2 diabetes (p = 0.045). Nurses working 08:00-08:00 shifts in the Emergency Department had a higher diabetes risk than those in other shifts (p < 0.001). Findings suggest shift work may increase type 2 diabetes risk among nurses. Interventions and workplace strategies are needed to mitigate this risk and support nursing health.