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. Study says people with diabetes face risk of developing deadly liver disease with rise in nap time. A new study presented at ENDO 2026, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in Chicago, has found a link between longer daytime naps and an increased risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) among people with type 2 diabetes. Researchers examined sleep habits and health outcomes in nearly 1,900 adults over several years. The findings suggest that sleep behavior may play an important role in identifying people who face a greater risk of liver disease and may offer a simple way to improve prevention efforts.How sleep patterns may affect liver disease risk?Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, or MASLD, is a condition in which excess fat builds up in the liver. The disease was previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It is considered a chronic disorder and is often linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic conditions.Researchers have long studied factors that increase the risk of MASLD. Most assessments rely on medical tests and health indicators. However, scientists involved in the new research wanted to determine whether sleep behavior could serve as an additional predictor of the disease.The study focused on both nighttime sleep quality and daytime napping habits. Researchers wanted to understand whether sleep patterns could help identify people with type 2 diabetes who may be more likely to develop liver disease in the future.More sleep means good health? New research answersThe research found that people with type 2 diabetes who regularly nap for more than 30 minutes a day face a higher risk of developing MASLD. This increased risk was observed regardless of how well they slept during the night.According to study author Xuejiang Gu, M.D., Ph.D., executive director of the Endocrinology Department at the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University in Zhejiang, China, long naps appear to independently increase the likelihood of MASLD in people with type 2 diabetes.The findings also showed that the risk becomes even greater when long daytime naps are combined with poor sleep at night. Researchers reported that poor nocturnal sleep together with long naps more than tripled the risk of MASLD in this population. These results suggest that both daytime and nighttime sleep habits may influence liver health among people with diabetes. 131745576What the new study says?The research was presented at ENDO 2026, the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society. The investigators aimed to explore whether sleep behavior could be a useful tool for predicting liver disease risk.The researchers believed that if sleep habits proved to be reliable indicators, doctors could use simple questions about sleep during routine appointments. Such an approach could help identify high-risk individuals earlier without relying only on medical testing. The study findings indicate that sleep behavior may provide important information about future health outcomes. This could help healthcare providers better understand which patients need closer monitoring and preventive care.Research data behind the findingsThe study included 1,900 adults with type 2 diabetes between the ages of 18 and 85 years. Sleep information was collected through questionnaires between 2017 and 2024.Participants were divided into four groups based on nighttime sleep quality and daytime napping habits:Good nocturnal sleep with short napsGood nocturnal sleep with long napsPoor nocturnal sleep with short napsPoor nocturnal sleep with long napsResearchers used multivariate Cox regression analysis to examine the relationship between sleep characteristics and the development of MASLD. Participants were followed for an average period of slightly more than three years. During that time, researchers identified 379 new cases of MASLD.When compared with individuals who had good nighttime sleep and short naps, participants in all three of the other categories showed a higher risk of developing the liver disease. The findings remained significant even after accounting for other factors that may influence health outcomes.Should you be worried?The study does not suggest that every person who takes a daytime nap will develop liver disease. Instead, it highlights a possible association between longer naps and an increased risk of MASLD among people with type 2 diabetes. People living with diabetes already face a greater risk of metabolic disorders. The research suggests that sleep habits may be another factor worth monitoring.Experts note that sleep patterns are behaviors that can often be adjusted. Unlike some medical risk factors, sleep habits can be modified through lifestyle changes and improved sleep routines. However, the study findings should be viewed as an opportunity for awareness rather than a reason for panic. People concerned about their sleep habits or liver health should consult healthcare professionals for personalized guidance.What does the study recommend?Researchers believe that sleep habits may provide a practical way to help prevent MASLD in people with type 2 diabetes. According to Gu, sleep behavior represents a daily and modifiable habit. This means individuals can potentially reduce risk by making informed decisions about their sleeping patterns.The study's public health message is straightforward: people with type 2 diabetes should pay attention to their napping habits and avoid unnecessarily long daytime naps. Healthcare providers may also consider discussing sleep routines with patients as part of broader diabetes management and liver health monitoring strategies.