The Bidirectional Link: Exploring the Relationship Between Sleep Apnea and Diabetes
The impact of sleep apnea goes beyond loud snoring and daytime fatigue. Studies have shown a direct link between sleep apnea and diabetes. OSA increases your blood sugar (glucose) and decreases your capacity to control sugars by increasing your resistance to insulin (hormone that controls sugar in your blood). Given the far-reaching consequences of sleep apnea, seeking treatment isn’t an option.
Sarasota Center for General Dentistry offers sleep apnea treatment in Sarasota, Florida, to ensure you maintain optimal health. Book your appointment with Dr. Francisco Marcano today and embark on the journey to reclaiming your vitality and health.
The bidirectional link between diabetes and sleep apnea
Research has shown a bidirectional connection between sleep apnea and diabetes, meaning one condition can result in the onset or exacerbation of the other. When left untreated, one condition seems to worsen the other.
For starters, people with sleep apnea are likely to suffer from type 2 diabetes. This link stems from disrupted sleep patterns and reduced oxygen flow (hypoxemias), which increases insulin resistance, a hallmark of diabetes.
Additionally, sleep deprivation may cause an increase in appetite for high-calorie foods. Why? Inadequate sleep inhibits the production of hormones like leptin and ghrelin, which control your appetite. Excessive eating results in unhealthy weight gain, a common cause of type 2 diabetes.
Furthermore, intermittent hypoxemias trigger multiple biological responses, including oxidative stress and increased inflammation. These factors contribute to insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance, increasing the risk of diabetes.
As mentioned, the relationship between diabetes and sleep apnea is reciprocal—patients with diabetes are likely to develop sleep apnea! To put this into perspective, approximately 50-70% of diabetic patients have sleep apnea. This symbiotic relationship is likely because of shared risk factors like obesity, lack of exercise, and age. However, poor glycemic control for patients with diabetes can disrupt sleep and possibly contribute to sleep apnea.
Is sleep apnea treatable?
Sleep apnea doesn’t just increase the risk for diabetes. Uncontrolled sleep apnea is linked to numerous conditions, including:
- Cardiovascular complications
- Hypertension
- Depression
- Stroke
- Memory issues
- ED
The good news is that sleep apnea is treatable. A CPAP is usually the standard treatment for OSA. While this treatment is effective, numerous patients discontinue it due to noise or irritation. Dr. Marcano treats OSA with oral appliance therapy, which uses a custom-fitted dental device worn while sleeping. A sleep apnea device works by repositioning the tongue and lower jaw forward to promote healthy breathing when sleeping.
Sleep apnea treatment in Sarasota, Florida
Don’t let sleep apnea take control of your life. Instead, call (941) 900-3555 to schedule a treatment appointment with Dr. Marcano. Soon, you’ll breathe, sleep, and live better!
