There is strong evidence suggesting a probable association between shift work (SW) and insulin resistance (IR). Hence, it is crucial to evaluate this factor in therapeutic and preventive interventions. In a comparative cross-sectional study, serum fasting glucose levels and serum fasting insulin hormone levels were estimated, then Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) index was examined among shift workers (SWs) employed in the industrial sector. An occupational surveillance framework included 60 industrial workers, who were classified as follows: thirty were shift workers (SWs) and thirty were non-shift workers (NSWs). Fasting blood sugar and fasting serum insulin hormone levels were estimated, and HOMA-IR Index was calculated for all participants and the results were investigated for a possible link with shift work. A significantly higher serum fasting insulin level as well as a high HOMA-IR index was observed among SWs as a result (p<0.05). Accordingly, Shift work may raise the potential for developing insulin resistance.
Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus; Insulin resistance; Workers; Night work; Shift work; Circadian clock.