Ways to improve the medical surveillance in shift workers

Metabolic syndrome is a common condition among shift workers (but not exclusively), as this type of work produces changes in the circadian rhythm associated with changes in glucose and lipid metabolism and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

During the employment or periodic examinations, the occupational medicine doctor performs certain tests such as electrocardiogram, blood pressure measurement, orders blood tests (glycemia, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamine transpeptidase (GGT), creatinine, depending on the type of exposure of the worker. Their changes can translate into restrictions of some activities, the need to re-organize work and, in extreme cases, the unfitness for the respective job.

That is why it is necessary to find effective methods for the early identification of the risk of developing metabolic syndrome among workers regardless of the type of work or schedule they perform, before the onset of a chronic disease that can lead to an impaired quality of life and/or a reduction of work capacity. This article reviews the definition of metabolic syndrome, the current recommendations introduced in international guidelines and some of the screening methods which may be useful for the the medical surveillance of workers at risk of developing metabolic syndrome.