The relationship between diabetes mellitus and sleep disorders and sleep apnea has been well established. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which involves breathing pauses due to a physical obstruction of the airway, significantly impacts glucose metabolism and appetite regulation, according to several studies. There are many reasons why this happens, including a higher chance of overeating while awake, an alteration in the profile and levels of hormones responsible for appetite and satiety (like ghrelin and leptin), and the activation of stress mechanisms, such as the sympathetic nervous system and the release of hyperglycemic hormones at unexpected times and in unexpected quantities.
The population suffering from sleep apneahas a higher prevalence of experiencing glucose tolerance alterations than the general population. Studies indicate that the quality and duration of sleep affect the risk and severity of diabetes mellitus(both type 1 and type 2). Additionally, it is suggested that these sleep parameters should be considered as part of the treatment for diabetes mellitus.
Sleep apnea increases fasting blood glucose and postprandial glucose levels. Both rise significantly, as does insulin resistance, regardless of the body mass index (BMI) and the age of the patients. Nowadays, sleep apnea is considered a risk factor for developing glucose tolerance alterations, apart from obesity . Type 2 diabetes mellitus and obstructive sleep apnea are high-prevalencepathologies and usually coexist. There is a high prevalence of sleep apnea in patients suffering from moderate hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and vice versa.
Insomnia comes with detrimental effects on the modulatory function of sleep, impacting glucose metabolism, blood glucose elevation, molecular mechanisms, physiological stress, and immunity. Engaging in light to moderate physical activity is an important regulatory agent concerning the quantity and quality of sleep hours, especially for elderly individuals.
Therefore, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus or obstructive sleep apnea need to be screened for the other condition and receive an early adequate diagnosis. For this reason, it is essential that the physician conducts a detailed clinical interview and considers high-resolution nocturnal oximetry to make a more accurate diagnosis.
By Dr. Diógenes Freire – Physician
CRM 4231-SE
Instagram:@drdiogenesfreire
Website: http://drdiogenesfreire.com/
Biologix offers an online platform that allows healthcare practitioners to provide their patients with a simplified and low-costexam for sleep apnea. The Biologix solution is based on portable sensors, apps, and cloud computing.
The diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea is extremely important. It can be carried out through polysomnography or the Biologix Sleep Test, , a type IV polysomnography. This test can be performed at home, is simple, practical, effective, and does not require spending the night at a sleep lab.
Learn more about the Biologix solution here!
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