Long work hours is associated with suboptimal glycemic control among US workers with diabetes

Background Increasing numbers of US workers are diabetic. We assessed the relationship between glycemic control and work hours and type of occupation among employed US adults with type 2 diabetes. Methods Data were obtained from the 1999–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). A representative sample of employed US adults ≥20 years with self-reported type 2 diabetes (n = 369) was used. Two dichotomous glycemic control indicators, based on various HbA1c level cut-points, were used as dependent variables in weighted logistic regression analyses with adjustment for confounders. Results Adults working over 40 hr/week were more likely to have suboptimal glycemic control (HbA1c ≥ 7%) compared to those working 20 hr or less (odds ratio = 5.09; 95% confidence interval: [1.38–18.76]). Conclusions Work-related factors, such as number of hours worked, may affect the ability of adults with type 2 diabetes to reach and maintain glycemic control goals. These factors should be considered in the development of workplace policies and accommodations for the increasing number of workers with type 2 diabetes. Am. J. Ind. Med. 54:375–383, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.