A study published in the journal Sleep suggests that older adults who frequently take naps have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Researchers studied more than 19,500 individuals between the ages of 50 and 93 in China, where napping is common. Participants were questioned on their medical and lifestyle history – including their napping habits and daytime drowsiness. They also underwent a physical examination that included a blood test to test for the presence of type 2 diabetes.

They found that the prevalence of type 2 diabetes was 36 percent higher in participants who reported napping four to six times a week and 28 percent higher in those who napped daily.

The authors noted that the association between napping and diabetes was observed despite the fact that nappers had higher levels of physical activity, which has been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes. This suggests that the relationship between napping and diabetes might have been stronger had it not been offset by the protective effects of physical activity.

Exercising, maintaining a healthy weight and eating a healthy, balanced diet are among the best ways to prevent diabetes and control blood sugar levels naturally. Some studies have found that nutritional supplements containing chromium and cinnamon may benefit blood sugar control in diabetics.