Participants identified as late chronotypes displayed a higher body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, along with increased visceral and liver fat compared to those with intermediate chronotypes.

Over a median follow-up period of 6.6 years, 225 participants were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, with late chronotypes showing a 46% increased risk after adjusting for various lifestyle factors.

The study, presented at the EASD Annual Meeting in Madrid, highlights that disruptions in daily heart rate variations significantly elevate mortality risk in individuals with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Impaired circadian heart rate fluctuations have been linked to increased cardiovascular and all-cause mortality among patients with long-standing diabetes.

The findings underscore the importance of preventive education on healthy sleep habits, particularly for teenagers and those at higher risk of metabolic disorders.

Experts emphasize that poor sleep habits can elevate stress hormones like cortisol, which in turn increases glucose levels, contributing to obesity and diabetes risk.

Recent research indicates that night owls face a heightened risk of developing type 2 diabetes due to their body clocks being misaligned with societal norms.

Improving sleep quality through consistent sleep schedules is crucial for reducing the risk of diabetes and other chronic health conditions.

Dr. Jeroen van der Velde noted that while chronotype stabilizes around age 30, shifting to an earlier chronotype may help mitigate the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Future research aims to explore whether adjusting sleep timing can enhance metabolic health for individuals with a late chronotype.

The study analyzed data from 349 adults with diabetes, revealing that low variations in heart rate and blunted nocturnal heart rate dips correlated with higher rates of cardiac and kidney complications.

Lead researcher Dr. Jeroen van der Velde believes that lifestyle factors alone cannot fully explain the increased diabetes risk associated with a late chronotype.