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Recently, there has been more and more information regarding the link between diabetes and sleep –or lack of it.  Researchers have determined a definite connection in many people with diabetes, and the information regarding what happens to a person is of extreme importance.
The main sleep disorder that affects individuals with diabetes is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).  The symptoms of OSA include disruptions in sleep caused by irregular breathing,” according to sleep medicine physician Dr. Angela Hospenthal from the University of Texas Science Center. Other symptoms include: extremely loud snoring” (the kind that can be heard through closed doors), waking up choking or gasping, waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat, and being excessively tired during the day.
There are various things that happen to a person who has OSA.  Heart irregularities can occur, blood pressure in most people with OSA is elevated and oxygen and blood flow are reduced.  Sleep is often interrupted and not calm or restful.  As a result, the person with OSA often wakes up tired and continues to become more tired throughout the day.  To add insult to injury, it is also harder for many people with OSA to concentrate and/or remember things.
There are several areas where OSA and diabetes are connected.  A person who is obese and has most of their excess weight in the stomach/torso area is at risk for both diabetes and OSA.   Insulin resistance is another area that connects people with diabetes and OSA.  When people don’t breathe deeply enough, there is not enough oxygen that gets into the bloodstream to help keep blood sugar levels down.  Another symptom that is common in diabetes – neuropathy – is also found in individuals with OSA, though researchers have not determined why. Neuropathy is a form of nerve damage.
The conclusion that researchers have come to is that diabetes may contribute to sleep apnea or sleep apnea may contribute to diabetes.  The treatment of one can help improve the other.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of diabetes or OSA, contact your doctor and let them know immediately.  There is help available to deal with both.