High HOMA-IR Index in Healthcare Shift Workers

• Main Authors: Caterina Ledda, Diana Cinà, Serena Matera, Nicola Mucci, Massimo Bracci, Venerando Rapisarda
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-05-01
• Series: Medicina
• Subjects: insulin resistance; metabolic syndrome; diabetes; shift work; night work; circadian rhythm; workers
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1010-660X/55/5/186

<i>Background and objectives:</i> Evidence shows that shift work may be correlated with insulin resistance (IR). Therefore its estimation in clinical and prevention practice is of great significance. A cross-sectional study was performed to examine the Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) Index among healthcare shift workers (HCSW). <i>Materials and Methods:</i> A total of 272 healthcare workers (HCWs) were invited to participate in the study within an occupational surveillance framework, 137 were HCSW while 135 were healthcare non-shift workers (HCNSW). Fasting glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR Index were evaluated in each participant and correlated with shift workers. <i>Results:</i> Indicators of glucose metabolism were significantly higher in HCSW <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001, and logistic regression analysis confirmed a significant positive association between increased values of HOMA-IR Index and shift workers (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05). <i>Conclusions:</i> Shift work could be a risk factor in developing insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.