Towards targeted dietary support for shift workers with type 2 diabetes (Shift-Diabetes study): A mixed-methods case...

Area of Science:

• Circadian rhythm research
• Diabetes management
• Behavioral science

Background:

• Night shift work is associated with higher blood glucose levels compared to day work.
• Circadian disruption, altered eating behaviors, activity, and sleep patterns negatively impact glucose management in night-shift workers with type 2 diabetes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate dietary intake and glucose variability during night shifts.
• To identify barriers and facilitators influencing dietary behavior in night-shift workers with type 2 diabetes.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods case study involving 70 participants with type 2 diabetes working night shifts.
• Part 1: 10-day observational study collecting continuous glucose, diet, sleep, and physical activity data.
• Part 2: Semi-structured interviews to explore dietary behavior barriers/enablers, followed by a quantitative survey.

Main Results:

• Analysis will compare glucose concentration and variability, and diet index scores between night work, non-night work, and rest days.
• Qualitative data will identify specific barriers and enablers to healthy eating during night shifts.
• Triangulation of findings will inform potential intervention strategies.

Conclusions:

• Intervention strategies will be developed to address barriers and enablers for healthier eating.
• The goal is to improve glucose control in shift workers with type 2 diabetes.
• Findings will be disseminated through stakeholder consultation and behavioral science frameworks.