'Our findings raise the possibility that when the unhealthy aspects of the westernized lifestyle are combined with reduced sleep duration, this might contribute to the increased risk of many overweight and sedentary individuals developing diabetes,' said Plamen Penev, University of Chicago (U-C) and a senior study author.

'If confirmed by future larger studies, these results would indicate that a healthy lifestyle should include not only healthy eating habits and adequate amounts of physical activity, but also obtaining a sufficient amount of sleep, added Penev.

These findings are slated for publication in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM).