A new risk factor is emerging for men and a growing disease: diabetes may be caused by chronic stress.

Looking at nearly 8,000 men over 35 years, Swedish researchers found permanent stress, either work or family related, nearly doubles the risk for Type 2 Diabetes compared to men who do not have chronic stresse or only reported periodic stress.

The link was significant even for people who did not have traditional diabetes risk factors like inactivity, excess weight or high blood pressure.

Doctors say stress is not recognized as a preventable cause of diabetes. This study shows permanent stress should be identified and prevented for future health.