March 3, 2026

expert reaction to study on the association between weekday sleep duration and estimated glucose disposal rate and the moderating role of weekend catch up sleep on this relationship

A study published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care looks at sleep duration and glucose regulation. 

Prof Naveed Sattar, Professor of Cardiometabolic Medicine/Honorary Consultant, University of Glasgow, said:

“There is plenty of evidence showing that shorter sleep – typically less than seven hours a night – is linked with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Poor sleep disrupts appetites, meaning people often eat more after a poor night’s sleep, and simply being awake for longer creates more opportunities to eat. In addition, inadequate sleep may directly affect key hormones, including stress hormones, that influence glucose levels.

“The current study adds to this body of research, although it is observational, so we must interpret the findings with some caution. That said, genetic studies also suggest that people predisposed to shorter sleep are at higher risk of future diabetes, strengthening the likelihood of a causal link.

“The practical message is that people should work hard at developing a good sleep hygiene: going to bed at consistent times, creating a wind‑down routine, and reducing screen use – particularly mobile phones – in the hour before bed. The easy access to digital distractions is likely contributing to declining sleep quality and duration, which may in turn contribute to more obesity and diabetes. “

‘Association of weekday sleep duration and estimated glucose disposal rate: the role of weekend catch-up sleep’ by Zhanhong Fan et al. was published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care at 23:30 UK time on Tuesday the 3^rd of March 2026. 

DOI: 10.1136/bmjdrc-2025-005692

Declared interests

Prof Naveed Sattar: “NS has consulted for and/or received speaker honoraria from Abbott Laboratories, AbbVie, Afimmune, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Carmot Therapeutics, Eli Lilly, Gan & Lee, GlaxoSmithKline, Hanmi Pharmaceuticals, Janssen, Kailera, Mass Medicines, Menarini-Ricerche, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Metsera, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sanofi, UCB Pharma and Verdiva Bio; and received grant support paid to his University from AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Novartis, and Roche.  No shares in any medical areas.”