01 Jun The Overlap Between Sleep Apnea and Type 2 Diabetes: What You Need to Know
Sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes have a connection that can make either condition difficult to manage if left untreated. Understanding how these conditions overlap can help you take a more active role in protecting your health and sleep quality.
Can Sleep Apnea Make Diabetes Worse?
Yes. You need good quality sleep to regulate your blood sugar levels, and if you aren’t getting the rest you need, this can make your type 2 diabetes that much more difficult to manage.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Insulin Resistance
If your sleep is frequently interrupted, whether by sleep apnea or otherwise, your body starts releasing stress hormones. These hormones make it harder for insulin to do its job and lead to higher blood sugar levels. Untreated sleep apnea has been associated with the development of type 2 diabetes because of this process, called insulin resistance.
The opposite relationship is also common, since people managing type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop sleep apnea if they have excess body weight. This excess weight can contribute to airway obstruction. Additionally, diabetes can also affect nerve function, which can influence how the airway muscles behave at night, causing apneic episodes.
CPAP Treatment and Blood Sugar Control
Does treating sleep apnea help diabetes? CPAP treatment for sleep apnea is most effective when you wear your machine consistently every time you sleep. This supports better sleep quality and your body’s ability to rest since it doesn’t have to worry about waking itself up to help you breathe throughout the night. When you have more restful sleep, you support better insulin function. Treating sleep apnea may help improve blood sugar control and overall diabetes management.
How Does CPAP Affect A1c Levels?
As sleep apnea is treated with CPAP therapy, some patients may experience improvements in insulin function and A1c levels.
What are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea in Diabetics?
Sleep apnea symptoms for people with diabetes are the same as those without. Loud snoring, excessive fatigue, waking up gasping throughout the night, and even teeth grinding can indicate sleep apnea. Additional symptoms for those with diabetes can include more difficulty controlling blood sugars or a higher A1c that isn’t attributed to another cause.
CPAP and Oral Appliance Therapy for Diabetics in Mansfield, TX
CPAP or oral appliance therapy may be suitable for treating your sleep apnea. First, it’s helpful to complete a sleep apnea screening for diabetes patients and to go over these screening results with your sleep doctor.
If you suspect you are at risk or already have sleep apnea, schedule an appointment today with Crosspointe Sleep. After a thorough consultation, we’ll discuss appropriate treatment options that fit your needs and lifestyle.