Abstract

Over 25% of the work force is comprised of insulin-dependent diabetics. The purpose of this descriptive study was to determine the impact of shift work on blood sugar levels in insulin-dependent diabetics. Rogers' Theory of Homeodynamics was the conceptual framework guiding the study. The research question was does rotating shift work have an impact on blood sugar levels in insulin-dependent diabetics. The total sample (N = 40) was selected from 100 insulin-dependent diabetics who work at an industrial plant in midwestern Alabama. Thirty insulin-dependent diabetics who were working rotating shifts and 10 insulin-dependent diabetics who worked regular day shift were used for comparison. Blood sugar levels were measured daily during shift rotations, and measurements were taken on the insulindependent diabetics who worked regular day shifts. The hypothesis generated was there will be no difference in blood sugar levels in persons who work shift work and those persons who work regular hours. Examination of the data revealed a 2.20% increase in blood sugar level when the insulin-dependent diabetic subjects (n = 30) worked the night shift. There was an 11.9% increase in blood sugar level in the diabetic subjects (n = 30) when they worked the evening shift. Analysis of the data using the student t test revealed a significant difference between the blood sugar levels of those who worked shift work and those who worked regular hours (t = 4.52; p < .004). Implications for nursing and recommendations were presented.

Degree

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Department

Graduate Nursing

Degree Date

8-1-1993

Publication Number

27919774

First Advisor

Dr. Nancy Hill

Second Advisor

Linda Sullivan

Third Advisor

Sarah Rives

Document Type

Thesis

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