Archive · 3 Aug 2026
Sleep Leg Movements Linked to Higher Diabetes Risk
Scientists found that people who move their legs a lot while sleeping are more likely to have diabetes.
Even after looking at age, weight, and other health problems, the risk was still 72% higher.
The more the leg movements, the higher the chance of diabetes and higher blood sugar levels.
These movements are like jerks or twitches that happen when you’re asleep.
The study was led by a top professor named Ding in the United States.
Adults with sleep-related leg movements have a 72% higher odds of diabetes.
The increased risk remains after adjusting for age, weight, and chronic diseases.
A dose‑response pattern shows more frequent leg movements raise diabetes probability and HbA1c levels.
Sleep leg movements are defined as repeated jerking or twitches during sleep.
The study was conducted by top US professor Ding and her research team.
- Who
- Ding and her research team
- What
- Study linking sleep-related leg movements to increased diabetes risk
- When
- Recent study
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To identify a simple sleep clue that could indicate diabetes risk
- Study Population
- Adults
- Key Finding
- 72% higher odds of diabetes with sleep-related leg movements
- Dose-Response
- Yes
- Definition of Leg Movements
- Repeated jerking or twitches during sleep
- Researcher
- Ding