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The Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Diabetes

Sleep apnea and diabetes may seem like unrelated health conditions, but they are often intertwined in a complex relationship. Understanding how sleep apnea affects individuals with diabetes is essential for managing both conditions effectively. At The CPAP Alternative, our Wake Forest, NC sleep apnea specialist, Dr. Craig Winlemann, is dedicated to helping diabetics struggling with symptoms of sleep apnea. 

To learn more about the connection between sleep apnea and diabetes, contact our Wake Forest office by calling (984) 237-1013.

man with sleep apnea

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes and may occur multiple times throughout the night. There are three main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and complex sleep apnea syndrome. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea, where the throat muscles relax and obstruct the airway during sleep.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels in the blood.

How Sleep Apnea Negatively Impacts Diabetics

  • diabetes checkInsulin Resistance: Sleep apnea has been linked to insulin resistance, a key factor in the development of type 2 diabetes. Interruptions in breathing during sleep can disrupt the body’s ability to regulate glucose, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
  • Poor Glycemic Control: Individuals with both sleep apnea and diabetes often struggle to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Poor sleep quality and fragmented sleep caused by sleep apnea can impair the body’s ability to utilize insulin effectively, resulting in uncontrolled diabetes.
  • Increased Cardiovascular Risk: Both sleep apnea and diabetes are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. When combined, they can synergistically increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular complications.
  • Daytime Fatigue and Cognitive Impairment: Sleep apnea can cause excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue, which can impair cognitive function and negatively impact daily activities. For individuals with diabetes, this fatigue can make it more challenging to manage their condition effectively.

Available Treatment Options to Combat Sleep Apnea

  • Oral Appliances: Oral appliances, such as mandibular advancement devices, can help reposition the jaw and tongue to prevent airway obstruction during sleep.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: Making lifestyle changes such as losing weight, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime, and sleeping on your side instead of your back can help alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea.
  • Surgery: In severe cases of obstructive sleep apnea, surgery may be recommended to remove excess tissue blocking the airway or to reposition the jaw.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can untreated sleep apnea worsen diabetes?
Is it common for individuals with diabetes to also have sleep apnea?
How can I know if I have sleep apnea?
Are there any natural remedies for sleep apnea?
Can untreated sleep apnea worsen diabetes?

Yes, untreated sleep apnea can worsen diabetes in several ways. Firstly, sleep apnea can lead to increased insulin resistance, which is a key factor in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes. Interruptions in breathing during sleep can cause stress responses in the body, leading to elevated levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can impair the body’s ability to utilize insulin effectively, resulting in higher blood sugar levels. 

Is it common for individuals with diabetes to also have sleep apnea?

Yes, there is a significant overlap between diabetes and sleep apnea. Studies have shown that individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing sleep apnea compared to the general population. The exact reasons for this association are not fully understood, but factors such as obesity, insulin resistance, and structural abnormalities in the upper airway may contribute to the increased prevalence of sleep apnea in individuals with diabetes.

How can I know if I have sleep apnea?

There are several common symptoms of sleep apnea that you can look out for. These include loud and frequent snoring, episodes of gasping or choking during sleep, daytime fatigue and excessive sleepiness, morning headaches, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation.

Are there any natural remedies for sleep apnea?

While lifestyle modifications such as weight loss, regular exercise, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime, and sleeping on your side instead of your back can help alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea, they may not be sufficient to treat moderate to severe cases of the condition. However, these lifestyle changes can complement other treatment options and improve overall sleep quality.

Manage Sleep Apnea and Diabetes for Better Health

Sleep apnea and diabetes are two common health conditions that often coexist and can significantly impact an individual’s overall health and well-being. Understanding the connection between these two conditions and seeking appropriate treatment is essential for managing both effectively and reducing the risk of complications.

If you suspect you may have sleep apnea or diabetes, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your Wake Forest, NC sleep specialist by calling (984) 237-1013 for an evaluation and guidance. By addressing both conditions proactively, you can improve your quality of life and reduce the risk of associated complications.

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