Lack Of Sleep May Lead To Increased Fatty Acid Levels In The Blood.

reports that a study published online Feb. 19 in the journal Diabetologia “helps explain why getting too little sleep might boost diabetes risk.” The study of 19 male volunteers ranging in age from 18 to 30 who underwent sleep deprivation reveals that “lack of sleep can lead to increased levels of substances called free fatty acids in the blood.” These free fatty acids “interfere with the ability of the hormone insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Researchers say lack of sleep can lead to increased levels of substances called free fatty acids in the blood. These substances interfere with the ability of the hormone insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. The researchers said these findings suggest that high rates of obesity and diabetes could be reduced by something as simple as having people get more sleep. "At the population level, multiple studies have reported connections between restricted sleep, weight gain and type 2 diabetes," said study senior author Dr. Esra Tasali in a University of Chicago news release. She is an assistant professor of medicine at the university. http://consumer.healthday.com/diabetes-information-10/misc-diabetes-news-181/study-looks-at-how-too-little-sleep-might-lead-to-type-2-diabetes-696577.html