Korean J Aerosp Environ Med.
2012 Aug;22(2):23-30.
Effect of Disrupted Diurnal Changes on Circadian Clock and Hormonal System: Adverse Health Consequences and Diabetes
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Gangneung Asan Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Gangneung, Korea
Abstract
- Long-range air travel or 24-hour working service has increased the risk of exposure to the jet-lag or the shift-lag by disturbing the circadian timing system. Recently, diabetes is becoming epidemic worldwide and many diabetic patients are prone to be long-range air travellers or shift workers. A lifestyle change resulting in disruption of light-dark cycle could make suprachiasmatic nucleus in which circadian clock is believed to reside vulnerable to dysregulation of circadian rhythm and adverse effects on body homeostasis. Unfortunately, misalignment of circadian rhythm ocurred in air travelers and shift workers have been known to be associated with hormonal dysregulation and various health problems such as psychosocial, cardiometabolic and malignant disease. Here, we review the effect of diurnal change in the circadian timing system on the human body homeostasis, symptom and disease. Also, we discuss the risk of diabetes under irregular circadian rhythm and track proper management for air travelers with diabetes.
