It’s common knowledge that getting a good night’s sleep is essential above all else. Sleep disrupts proper body function, increasing the risk of developing medical conditions such as obesity, depression, diabetes, and others. A less well-known risk factor for various health problems is a condition known as sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person’s breathing stops and starts during sleep, often once per minute or more. The most common type of sleep apnea is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is caused by the muscles in the throat relaxing completely during sleep, and blocking the airway. This can lead to individuals experiencing disruption of sleep of hundreds to sometimes a few thousand times each night, causing less oxygen to reach the brain and the rest of the body. Often, this leads to a decrease in the quality of life, as well as an increased risk of developing several chronic conditions.
One condition that is linked with sleep apnea is diabetes. A number of studies over the years have demonstrated a link between sleep apnea and diabetes, with type 2 diabetes being the most commonly associated all. This link between the two conditions could be as simple as people with sleep apnea generally sleep poorly, which can affect their blood sugar levels, or in certain circumstances, OSA could lead to decreased insulin sensitivity. Either way, the research has suggested that individuals with sleep apnea are at a increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
How Does Sleep Apnea Affect the Risk of Developing Diabetes?
It has been shown that individuals with moderate or severe sleep apnea are 2.5 times more likely to have diabetes. Looking at only the most severe form of OSA, there is an even greater link, as those with severe OSA are almost 10 times more likely to have type 2 diabetes. In addition, those who suffer from OSA are also more likely to have higher levels of a hormone called cortisol, which can play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes.
Furthermore, if an individual has OSA, it’s scientifically demonstrated that their sensitivity to insulin without changed can decrease. This leads to more insulin being required to bring their blood sugar levels back to a normal range. This decrease in insulin sensitivity is thought to be the result of intermittent hypoxemia, which describes low oxygen levels that come along with sleep apnea.
Reducing the Risk with Proper Sleep Apnea Management
It’s clear that having OSA means a greater risk of developing diabetes. For this reason, it’s important for anyone who suffers from OSA to look into the proper management of the condition, and possibly looking at lifestyle changes and even the possibility of a CPAP machine.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most commonly used treatment for sleep apnea. A CPAP machine delivers an airway pressure that keeps the airway open while an individual is asleep, preventing the airway from becoming blocked. This treatment is very effective at reducing or stopping OSA symptoms, and as a result decreasing the risk of developing other health problems like heart disease and diabetes.
The most important thing to remember when it comes to managing sleep apnea is that it should be done in conjunction with a medical professional. For individuals with OSA who are overweight, losing weight can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of OSA symptoms.
Conclusion
Dong the research into the link between sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes, it’s clear that anyone suffering from sleep apnea should take the management of their symptoms quite seriously. It’s incredibly important to understand the link between sleep apnea and diabetes, so that steps can be taken to reduce the risk, and in doing so, improve overall health. For anyone suffering from sleep apnea, it’s best to talk to a medical professional about the proper management of the condition. By taking these steps, it’s possible to reduce the risk of developing a chronic condition such as type 2 diabetes.
