If you snore loudly, feel tired during the day, experience changes in mood, and find yourself waking up frequently throughout the night, sleep apnea could be the cause. If you also have diabetes, sleep apnea can make managing your condition a challenge. Continue below to learn more about the link between these two conditions.
About Diabetes
Diabetes is a common medical condition that can affect patients of all ages. It occurs when the pancreas fails to produce adequate amounts of insulin, or if the body does not respond to insulin. This results in elevated blood sugar levels in the body. There are several types of diabetes, and most are chronic. However, diabetes can be properly managed with medications, lifestyle changes, or a combination of both.
The Relationship Between Sleep Apnea and Diabetes
When you have sleep apnea, you experience repeated interruptions in your breathing throughout the night. During these pauses, carbon dioxide in the blood increases, leading to a number of issues, such as:
- Insulin resistance
- Increase in blood sugar levels
- Heightened blood pressure
- Increased risk of cardiovascular issues, such as heart disease
- Headaches, especially in the morning
How Sleep Apnea Impacts Diabetes Management
Managing diabetes usually requires individuals to regularly monitor their blood sugar levels, take medication as prescribed, consume a healthy diet, and engage in frequent exercise. When your blood sugar levels fluctuate due to the effects of sleep apnea, it can cause some individuals to feel ill. Additionally, the daytime sleepiness and mood swings associated with sleep apnea can lead to a lack of motivation to prepare nutritious meals or exercise, all of which can be detrimental to the management of diabetes. Diabetes complications may begin to occur, leading to serious health problems.
A Full Breath Center dentist will be able to help you determine if sleep apnea treatment is right for you. Please make an appointment with Dr. P. J. Nagjee by calling (310) 435-7939.
