Study finds diabetes risk may increase in roles with emotional demands, confrontations – The Hindu

Report on the Impact of Emotional Demands and Workplace Confrontations on Diabetes Risk

Introduction

A recent study published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine highlights a significant correlation between emotional demands at the workplace, in-person confrontations with colleagues, and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This report emphasizes the relevance of these findings in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Study Overview and Methodology

1. Data Source: Analysis of approximately 3 million individuals registered in Sweden in 2005.
2. Participants: Aged 30-60 years in 2005, with no prior diabetes diagnosis or medication.
3. Job Roles Analyzed: Twenty occupations with the highest levels of in-person contact, including service, healthcare, hospitality, and education sectors.
4. Types of Interactions Examined:
   • General interpersonal contact
   • Emotional demands in stressful situations
   • Confrontations
5. Follow-up Period: 2006 to 2020

Key Findings

• Over 200,000 participants developed type 2 diabetes during the study period, with 60% being men.
• Women in emotionally demanding jobs with low social support exhibited the highest increased risk (47%) of developing diabetes.
• Men exposed to high emotional demands and confrontations had a 20% and 15% increased risk respectively.
• Women exposed to the same conditions had a 24% and 20% increased risk respectively.
• Individuals who developed diabetes were generally older, more likely to be born outside Sweden, had lower education levels, and experienced low job control.

Biological Mechanisms and Workplace Stress

The study suggests that chronic stress from emotional demands and confrontations may disrupt the endocrine system, leading to excessive cortisol production and increased insulin resistance. These biological changes can elevate the risk of type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, the absence of social support at work exacerbates these effects.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  • Addressing workplace stressors contributes to reducing non-communicable diseases such as diabetes.
  • Promoting mental health and well-being in occupational settings supports healthier populations.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • Ensuring safe and supportive work environments reduces health risks associated with job strain and emotional demands.
  • Improving social support at workplaces fosters inclusive and productive employment.

Recommendations

1. Implement workplace policies that reduce emotional strain and manage confrontations effectively.
2. Enhance social support systems within organizations to mitigate stress-related health risks.
3. Promote awareness and training on emotional management aligned with occupational norms.
4. Integrate health monitoring and preventive measures targeting metabolic health among high-risk occupational groups.

Conclusion

This comprehensive study underscores the critical impact of emotional demands and interpersonal confrontations at work on the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Aligning workplace health strategies with the Sustainable Development Goals can foster healthier work environments and contribute to the global agenda of improving health outcomes and promoting decent work.

Published – June 26, 2025 06:50 pm IST

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses the increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes linked to emotional demands and confrontations at the workplace, which directly relates to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article highlights workplace conditions such as emotional demands, confrontations, job strain, insecurity, violence, and bullying, which affect workers’ health and well-being, relating to promoting safe and secure working environments.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The article notes that women working in emotionally demanding jobs with low social support have a higher risk (47%) of developing diabetes, indicating gender-specific workplace health challenges.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.8: Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including vulnerable workers.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.4: Recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work through the provision of public services, infrastructure and social protection policies, and the promotion of shared responsibility within the household and family.
   • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for Target 3.4:
   • Prevalence of diabetes (type 2) among working-age population, disaggregated by gender and workplace conditions.
   • Incidence rates of non-communicable diseases linked to workplace stress factors.
2. Indicator for Target 8.8:
   • Percentage of workers exposed to workplace violence, bullying, and emotional demands.
   • Measures of social support at the workplace and job control levels.
3. Indicators for Target 5.4 and 5.5:
   • Gender-disaggregated data on health outcomes related to workplace stress.
   • Proportion of women in emotionally demanding jobs with adequate social support.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: thehindu.com