Bedtime should not be a source of concern. However, for many people, sleep disorders are a real nightmare. When sleep apnea is left untreated, it increases the risk of developing conditions such as diabetes.
What is sleep apnea? Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a very common condition. It is characterized by the obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, often accompanied by a drop in blood oxygen saturation and brief awakenings to breathe. The main symptoms include loud and frequent snoring, breathing pauses, fragmented sleep, and, as a result, disabling daytime symptoms such as excessive drowsiness, cognitive impairments (memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and decreased work productivity), and morning headaches.
Now, let’s examine the relationship between sleep apnea and diabetes. If you want to learn more about apnea, keep reading.
Studies Confirming the Relationship Between Sleep Apnea and Diabetes
The article “Diabetes and Apnea: Understanding Their Relationship”, published on the Brazilian portal www.maisequilibrio.com.br, presents findings from American scientists identifying a connection between prediabetes and sleep disorders. Research shows that sleep apnea affects diabetes control in several ways. During sleep, the body releases stress hormones to try to restore oxygen through breathing. These hormones can raise blood glucose levels and, if corrective measures are not taken, may lead to diabetes. In addition, people with apnea often eat more frequently to fight daytime drowsiness, and fatigue reduces their ability to exercise. This combination of higher food intake and lower physical activity contributes to blood glucose imbalance.
Another article, “Sleep Apnea, Insulin Resistance, and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus”, published in the Portuguese Diabetes Magazine in 2008, highlights that “type 2 diabetes mellitus is now recognized as a worldwide epidemic, which is not yet the case for respiratory sleep disorders. Sleep apnea is associated with a considerable risk of morbidity, with several studies pointing to a causal link between apnea, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease.”
This article also notes that “type 2 diabetes mellitus and obstructive sleep apnea are highly prevalent conditions that often coexist. Apnea is common in patients with intermediate hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and vice versa. Furthermore, a connection has been observed between high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, likely explained by shared risk factors such as obesity. Recent studies also suggest that the relationship between these diseases may stem from being overweight.”
What to do? First, understand that poor sleep is not normal.
If you suspect you have a sleep disorder, seek medical attention. A specialist can request sleep-monitoring tests.
One option is the Biologix Sleep Test®, a simple, practical, and efficient at-home test that eliminates the need to spend the night in a sleep lab. At bedtime, the user simply places the Oxistar® sensor, a high-performance oximeter, on their finger and starts the test in the Biologix app. The following morning, the results are available within seconds, allowing the evaluation of sleep apnea.
One option is the Biologix Sleep Test®, a simple, practical, and efficient at-home test that eliminates the need to spend the night in a sleep lab. At bedtime, the user simply places the Oxistar® sensor, a high-performance oximeter, on their finger and starts the test in the Biologix app. The following morning, the results are available within seconds, allowing the evaluation of sleep apnea.
How about the treatment options?
For diabetes, treatment usually involves diet, physical activity, oral medication or insulin, and regular exams to detect complications.
For sleep apnea, treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases are often managed with lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, reducing alcohol consumption before bed, and improving sleep hygiene. Another option is the use of oral appliances, which may be prescribed to reposition the jaw.
For moderate or severe apnea, CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) devices are commonly used to provide a constant flow of air that prevents airway collapse.
In certain cases, surgery on the upper airway may also be considered.
DISCLAIMER: Only properly qualified physicians can diagnose diseases,
recommend treatments, and prescribe medications. The information provided herein is for educational purposes only.
