The Connection between Sleep Apnea and Diabetes

While you might not think it, there is a significant connection between sleep apnea and diabetes. These comorbid conditions can be troubling when combined, making it vital to follow the best treatment methods available. But what is the connection between sleep apnea and diabetes, what are the health risks, and how can treatment help? Read more to find out!

Understanding Sleep Apnea

When diagnosed with sleep apnea, diabetes becomes a serious risk. Sleep apnea is a condition where your breathing stops and starts several times when you sleep, and it can prevent your body from getting enough oxygen when resting. Common obstructive sleep apnea causes and sleep apnea risk factors include obesity, changes in hormone levels, and large tonsils, while central sleep apnea is caused by health conditions that alter how your brain controls your airway.

The Link Between Sleep Apnea and Diabetes

Now that you understand sleep apnea symptoms and risk factors let’s examine the link between this disorder and diabetes. Individuals struggling with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have a more significant risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This occurs because of the negative relationship between untreated sleep apnea and insulin resistance, along with sleep apnea health risks like elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. These factors all contribute to the potential onset of type 2 diabetes.

The connection between sleep apnea and blood sugar can also increase certain sleep apnea health risks. Sleep apnea causes sleep loss, which leads to less insulin release. This lack of insulin release can cause blood sugar levels to skyrocket, further increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, worsening OSA is associated with poorer glucose control in your body, making the risk of type 2 diabetes even greater.

Additionally, research indicates that diabetes can increase the risk of developing sleep apnea. Diabetes impacts your body’s central respiratory control, which can lead to the development of OSA.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

If you’ve received a sleep apnea screening and are diagnosed with sleep apnea, you should be aware of your treatment options to prevent comorbid conditions like type 2 diabetes. Sleep apnea treatment is essential for diabetes prevention. The most effective and known treatment option for sleep apnea is CPAP therapy.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines use mild air pressure to ensure that your airways remain open while you sleep, allowing you to breathe normally throughout the night. While CPAP machines can help with other sleep disorders, they are most commonly used to treat sleep apnea.

Given the close relationship between diabetes and sleep quality, ensuring your sleep is the best it can be is vital. A CPAP machine can help you get back on track and prevent issues related to diabetes and sleep patterns, ensuring you stay healthy and sleep soundly.

If you’re struggling with type 2 diabetes and are worried about your risk of developing sleep apnea, it’s important to seek professional medical help for diabetes management. Your doctor can help you identify options to reduce your risk of developing sleep apnea if you have type 2 diabetes.

Get Help for Sleep Apnea Today

Diabetes and sleep apnea awareness is only the first step toward your health journey. You can find the best CPAP masks, machines, and supplies from 1800CPAP.com to transform your health today.