Can Jet Lag Increase Your Risk of Diabetes?

Experts suggest that while jet lag can cause temporary spikes in blood sugar due to disrupted circadian rhythms, it does not directly cause diabetes. However, chronic disruption from frequent travel or shift work may have long-term metabolic consequences.
Why it matters
Understanding the link between sleep patterns and metabolic health is increasingly important for frequent travelers and shift workers managing their long-term health risks.
Frequent travellers often notice that long-haul flights leave them feeling more than just tired. Crossing multiple time zones can disrupt the body's internal clock, alter sleep patterns, affect meal timing and reduce physical activity for a few days. Because all of these factors influence how the body regulates glucose, some people wonder whether jet lag can temporarily affect blood sugar levels or even increase the risk of diabetes, particularly if they already have prediabetes or other metabolic risk factors. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine. The connection between disrupted circadian rhythms and metabolic health has attracted growing scientific interest, but it is not always clear how much effect a few days of jet lag has compared with long-term lifestyle habits.
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