High-fat, high-sugar diets are usually a sign of trouble, and a sedentary lifestyle with very little exercise is often regarded as a gateway to a Type 2 diagnosis.

It is true that both of these are factors in determining whether or not you are at risk for diabetes, but there are many other things to take into account, including your career.

4 Occupations to Increase Diabetes Likelihood

#1. Driving a Vehicle

Driving is a sedentary activity, which puts it high on the list of occupations that may put you at a higher risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. The stationary nature of your body is not the only factor, however, as many men and women who drive on the road (delivery drivers, bus drivers, etc.) find themselves snacking while driving and reaching for processed foods during work hours, rather than creating meals from home.

Improving diet will also improve the likelihood of diabetes onset, but that alone may not be enough to outweigh the influence of a sedentary lifestyle during work hours.

#2. Working Shifts

One study found that shift workers had as much as a 9% higher risk of developing diabetes than those with daylight hours. Shift workers typically work in the medical and emergency fields and might include hospital staff, firefighters, police officers, and emergency phone responders.

The risks associated with shift workers are numerous and include factors such as disturbed sleep, high-stress environments (and consequent high blood pressure), and a tendency to eat less healthy due to feeling tired, overwhelmed, or simply lacking time to construct rich, nutrient-packed meals.

#3. Working at a Desk

As with driving, working at a desk puts you at higher risk for developing diabetes due to its sedentary nature. Fortunately, this is one of the easiest positions to tweak to improve your chances of avoiding diabetes altogether.

#4. Working with Metal

Another study found that metalworkers also had a higher chance of developing the chronic condition than those who did not work with metals at all. The degree of metal exposure was a factor, with the highest incidence of increased risk visible in men and women who worked in smelting and purifying. Making sure you wear the proper gear when working with metal (gloves, protective eyewear, and a protective breathing device) will help stave off some of the damage caused by metal exposure.

If you work in any of these professions, that is not to say that you will certainly develop diabetes or worsen your existing diagnosis. If you do work in these fields, however, exercise some caution and keep your attention to your diet, exercise, and sleep habits on high alert, creating health and normalcy wherever you can.