Overview

• The register-based cohort study published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine tracked about three million Swedes aged 30–60 from their 2005 job roles through 2020 after excluding participants with prior diabetes.
• High emotional demands in person-contact roles increased type 2 diabetes risk by about 20% for men and 24% for women, while frequent conflict raised risk by roughly 15% for men and 20% for women.
• Workers reporting low workplace social support faced amplified risk, with women in high-stress roles experiencing up to a 47% greater likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Researchers suggest chronic stress in these occupations may trigger neuroendocrine responses that elevate cortisol levels, impair insulin secretion and heighten insulin resistance.
• The findings highlight a need for preventive strategies in healthcare, education and service sectors to bolster social support and mitigate metabolic health hazards.