Comparing Diabetic incidence, glycemic control, and complications in geriatric population: A comparative analysis of retired daytime and shift workers

Abstract

Objective: This study investigates the impact of prior daytime versus shift work on the incidence, glycemic control, and complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in retirees, aiming to identify long-term effects and inform tailored interventions.
Methods: A six-month retrospective cohort study was conducted in Erode, India, involving 101 retired individuals aged 60 years or older with T2DM. Participants were classified based on prior work schedules (daytime or shift work). Glycemic control (HbA1c levels), diabetes duration, and complications (neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, cardiovascular issues) were assessed via questionnaire. The data were analyzed by independent t-test using SPSS software.
Results: Among the 101 participants, 54 were daytime workers and 47 were shift workers. Shift workers exhibited significantly higher HbA1c levels (8.96 ± 1.593%) compared to daytime workers (6.90 ± 1.012%; p < 0.001). Night shift workers demonstrated the poorest glycemic control (9.56 ± 0.934%). The average diabetes duration was longer in shift workers (12.04 years) than in daytime workers (10.33 years). Shift workers also reported higher rates of diabetic complications, particularly neuropathy and cardiovascular issues, compared to daytime workers. A greater proportion of shift workers (68.09%) had poorly controlled diabetes compared to daytime workers (9.26%).

Conclusion: Shift work, particularly night shifts, was associated with worse glycemic control, longer diabetes duration, and increased complications in retirees, highlighting the long-term metabolic impacts of disrupted circadian rhythms. Targeted healthcare strategies and lifestyle interventions are essential to mitigate these adverse outcomes in retired shift workers.