For many people, diabetes and sleep apnea go hand-in-hand. Research has shown that the two are correlated, meaning that if you have one, you are likely to have both. And, left untreated, each of these conditions tends to worsen the other. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 70% of people who have type 2 diabetes also suffer from sleep apnea. Research shows that diabetes affects the body's ability to control the respiratory system, increasing the likelihood of obstructive sleep apnea. Patients who have sleep apnea are also more likely to become oxygen deprived during sleep, which can increase carbon dioxide levels. Over time, this can lead to insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes.
Here, we'll explore the connection between sleep apnea and diabetes and provide tips to help you manage sleep apnea to improve diabetes outcomes.
Overview of sleep apnea and its symptoms
Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person stops breathing while they're sleeping. People who have sleep apnea may feel like they're not getting enough sleep, despite getting a full night's rest.
Signs and symptoms of sleep apnea can include:
- Gasps for air while sleeping
- Loud snoring
- Pauses in breathing during sleep
- Fatigue
- Falling asleep during the day, especially while sitting still
Sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications when left untreated. When the body is deprived of oxygen, many bodily systems are disrupted, including cardiovascular and metabolic processes.
How sleep apnea affects blood sugar levels
When you don't get enough oxygen, the amount of carbon dioxide in your blood can increase. And when your body doesn't have enough oxygen, you can become resistant to insulin. Typically, insulin helps your body use the glucose (sugar) in your bloodstream for energy. In a non-diabetic person, insulin facilitates the transfer of sugar from the blood to the body's cells, allowing glucose to be transformed into energy. When the body is resistant to insulin, glucose can build up in the bloodstream, stopping the cells from getting the energy that they need, resulting in diabetes.
The impact of diabetes on sleep quality and apnea risk
People who have type 2 diabetes are more likely to experience the restless sleep that comes with sleep apnea because diabetes affects the body's ability to control breathing.
While advanced age and obesity are risk factors for both type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea, the connection between diabetes and sleep apnea has been proven to occur independent of these risk factors. As blood sugar levels increase, lung conditions become more prevalent. Adults who have diabetes are more likely than the general population to develop a number of lung conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pulmonary fibrosis.
It's important to note that people who have type 1 diabetes typically develop the condition due solely to genetic factors, while people who have type 2 diabetes typically develop the condition due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors. The connection between sleep apnea and diabetes remains regardless of the type of diabetes a person has.
Managing sleep apnea to improve diabetes outcomes
Proper management of sleep apnea can have a positive effect on the symptoms of diabetes. If you've been diagnosed with sleep apnea, taking steps to manage your symptoms may help to improve diabetes outcomes.
Many people who have sleep apnea are prescribed a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. This works to support the airway during sleep, keeping it open to reduce the number of times that you stop breathing while you sleep. Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes, including weight loss and regular exercise, to decrease or eliminate your sleep apnea symptoms. If a CPAP machine doesn't work to alleviate your sleep apnea symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery to change the mechanics of your body related to sleep apnea.
Tips for improving sleep and managing both conditions
There are many steps that you can take to improve your sleep quality despite a diagnosis of sleep apnea. When you reduce or stop the number of pauses in your breathing during sleep, your body's oxygen levels stay consistent, reducing the likelihood of insulin resistance.
Ways to improve sleep quality when you have sleep apnea include:
- Losing weight by exercising and following the nutrition plan suggested by your doctor
- Sleeping on your side or your stomach
- Avoiding alcohol and other sedatives
- Quitting smoking
- Using your CPAP machine or other breathing device as directed by your doctor
How technology can help in this journey
Getting high-quality rest is key for healthy functioning, especially if you've been diagnosed with diabetes. A wearable fitness tracker can help you understand your sleep cycles, and can help you talk with your doctor about disruptions that you've noticed during your sleep. Wearable devices that track your blood sugar can also provide you with the information to manage diabetes effectively.
Evidation: Supporting your health journey, one day at a time
If you believe that you may have sleep apnea and/or diabetes, it's important to reach out to your health care provider for testing right away. Left untreated, both conditions result in serious health complications.
When you choose to share your health data with Evidation, we'll use it to provide you with personalized, content-based insights that can help you take the steps necessary to work toward your health goals.
At Evidation, we're here to help you through every step of your journey to become your happiest, healthiest self. Click here to learn more and download our free app today.