Apnea & Diabetes

Sleep apnea treatment may also improve diabetes

Interrupted sleep may cause diabetes. Or, maybe it's diabetes that can lead to interrupted sleep patterns.

Dhawan

Studies differ as to which comes first, and the relationship between the two is not yet fully understood. But one thing is for sure, say researchers: the two go hand-in-hand.

"Patients with one condition should be monitored for the other," said Dr. Vandana Dhawan, medical director of The Sleep Center at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center.

Diabetes is not the only risk factor associated with lack of sleep. Too little sleep can lead to such serious health problems as heart disease, stroke and cancer.

Sleep apnea

One cause of disrupted sleep is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a common disorder in which a person repeatedly stops and starts breathing while sleeping. Researchers believe that sleep apnea causes, among other things, an increase in blood sugar, which can lead to diabetes.

Just as sleep apnea can cause diabetes, diabetes may affect sleep. "Forty to 60 percent of type 2 diabetics have sleep apnea," said Dhawan. One common link between the two is obesity. People who are overweight or obese are at a greater risk of developing both conditions, added Dhawan.

Apnea treatment

Research has proven, however, that a simple nighttime breathing treatment can reduce the symptoms of each disease. The treatment uses a breathing mask that releases a steady flow of air into the patient's nose and mouth while sleeping. Researchers found that the device helped people sleep better and reduced their blood sugar levels. "Patients who use the device for more than four hours a night over a three-month period have a much greater ability to keep their diabetes under control," said Dhawan.

Heyder

Not only does a good night's sleep improve diabetes, "it is vital to overall health and well-being," said Dr. Albrecht Heyder, a physician with The Sleep Center at Elizabeth City, an affiliate of Chesapeake Regional Medical Center. "A good night's sleep leaves people feeling refreshed and more energetic," he added.

Knowledge is key

People who suffer from lack of sleep may benefit from a sleep study to diagnose the reasons behind it. Chesapeake Regional's sleep centers in Chesapeake and Elizabeth City offer overnight monitoring to determine options for a variety of disorders, including sleep apnea.

In addition to a better night's rest, Chesapeake Regional also provides care for patients with diabetes, including counseling and nutrition and exercise advice.

Contact us

For more information or to schedule a sleep study, contact the sleep center in Chesapeake at 757-312-6565 or in Elizabeth City at 252-337-9701. For diabetes care, call 757-312-6132.

Sleep apnea treatment may also improve diabetes

Sleep apnea

Apnea treatment

Knowledge is key

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