Northwestern Medicine investigators have discovered how disruptions in the circadian rhythm in our muscles combined with poor diet can contribute to the development of diabetes, according to a recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

“When we mess up our circadian rhythms through environmental circadian disruption like shift work, jet lag or sleep deprivation, it’s possible that it’s impacting our muscle clocks and metabolism. If that’s happening and we are combining this with an unhealthy diet, this might make it more likely for us to develop glucose intolerance and diabetes,” said Clara Peek, Ph.D., assistant professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics and of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, who was senior author of the study.

The body’s natural circadian clock is comprised of proteins called transcription factors that are present throughout the body, including muscle tissue. The clock synchronizes physical and behavioral changes to the external environment during the 24-hour light cycle.