Work Stress and Low Sense of Coherence is Associated with Type 2

OBJECTIVE — The risk of type 2 diabetes is suggested to be increased for individuals ex-posed to stress. We analyzed the association of work stress by high demands, low decision latitude, and job strain (combination of high demands and low decision latitude) with type 2 diabetes. We also studied low sense of coherence (SOC) (a factor for successful coping with stressors) in association with type 2 diabetes. Finally, we investigated the combination of SOC and demands or SOC and decision latitude in association with the disease. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS — This cross-sectional study recruited 4,821 healthy Swedish women (aged 35–56 years) residing in five municipalities in the Stockholm area. An oral glucose tolerance test identified 52 women with type 2 diabetes. Relative risks (RRs) with 95 % CIs were estimated in a logistic multiple regression analysis. RESULTS — No association was found between high demands and type 2 diabetes (RR 1.1 [CI 0.5–2.2]). Low decision latitude was associated with type 2 diabetes with a RR of 2.2 (1.0–4.8). The RR of type 2 diabetes with low SOC was 3.7 (1.2–11.2). The combination of low SOC and low decision latitude was associated with type 2 diabetes with a RR of 2.6 (1.2–5.7). Homeostasis model assessment revealed an association of 4.2 (1.2–15.0) between low SOC an