If you have diabetes, it’s important to understand how sleep apnea could be impacting your blood sugar levels. Sleep apnea and diabetes often happen together, affecting each other in a complicated way. Let’s explore how sleep apnea can influence blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
The Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Diabetes
Sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when you stop breathing or take short breaths while sleeping. These pauses can occur several times every hour and last anywhere from a few seconds to minutes.
One common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, which happens when your airway gets blocked while you sleep, either partially or completely.
Diabetes is a long-term condition that changes how your body uses food for energy. Type 2 diabetes is most commonly associated with sleep apnea. Both conditions share risk factors, like obesity, which can contribute to the development of both disorders.
Impact on Blood Sugar Levels
Sleep apnea can significantly impact blood sugar levels, particularly in individuals with diabetes.
Breathing interruptions during sleep apnea can lead to fluctuations in blood oxygen levels and increased body stress, which can affect the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels effectively.
Insulin Resistance
Sleep apnea is linked to insulin resistance, where the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps control sugar levels in the blood by letting cells absorb glucose from the blood.
When cells become resistant to insulin, blood sugar levels can rise, increasing the risk of diabetes complications.
Poor Glycemic Control
Studies have shown that individuals with both sleep apnea and diabetes may experience poorer glycemic control compared to those with diabetes alone. Poor glycemic control can increase the risk of complications, such as heart disease, stroke, and nerve damage.
Hormonal Imbalance
Sleep problems caused by sleep apnea can disturb the balance of hormones in your body, including the ones that control your appetite and how your body uses energy. This imbalance can contribute to weight gain and difficulty managing blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
Schedule a Sleep Apnea Consultation in Houston, TX
If you’re struggling with sleep apnea and diabetes, Dr. Hans Schleicher can help. Contact Sleep Houston today at 713-828-8587 to schedule a consultation and take control of your health.