LAUSR

Highest risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D) in middle-aged population emerged after employment trajectories characterized by accumulation of unemployment in both men and women, and by self-employment in women. We suggest developing targeted T2D prevention measures for those with accumulating unemployment, and for self-employed women. Objective The aim of the study is to evaluate how glucose metabolism in midlife is related to preceding 30-year-long employment trajectories. Methods In the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966, we compared glucose metabolism at 46 to employment trajectories (previously defined for men and women and named as high-educated, traditional, self-employed, delayed, and floundering; n = 6399). Results Compared with individuals in high-educated trajectories, odds ratios for type 2 diabetes (T2D, 95% confidence interval) in traditional and floundering trajectories in men were 1.65 (1.02–2.68) and 2.42 (1.38–4.23) and in women 1.89 (1.04–3.43) and 2.60 (1.46–4.62), respectively. In self-employed trajectory in women, odds ratios for prediabetes and T2D were 1.66 (1.09–2.51) and 2.47 (1.21–5.04). Conclusions The highest risks for T2D in midlife were associated after traditional and floundering trajectories in men and women and after self-employment trajectory in women.