The Link Between Sleep Apnea and Prediabetes

Sleep apnea is an epidemic! Each night, over 18 million Americans miss out on countless hours of sleep because of this condition, and millions of additional cases go undiagnosed! However, this condition can become very problematic if left untreated. Not only is your body unable to achieve enough rest, but serious health problems can develop including fatigue, memory loss, heart disease, and even diabetes! Keep reading to learn more about the connection between obstructive sleep apnea and prediabetes, along with some tips for getting a better night’s sleep.

What Does Sleep Apnea Have to Do with Prediabetes?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most common forms of sleep apnea. It’s characterized by blockage in your airway while you sleep—when this happens, your body must exit deep sleep and wake up to normalize your breathing pattern. This interrupts your sleep cycle and inhibits your body’s ability to rest and heal the daily wear and tear of your cells! But that’s not all that’s at stake.

Researchers at the University of Hertfordshire recently uncovered a connection between poor sleep and an increased risk of prediabetic patients developing type two diabetes. In the studies, patients who reported poor quality of sleep tended to have higher blood sugar levels across a period of three months. When your blood sugar levels are elevated, you’re at risk for type two diabetes. This means that sleep apnea can actually increase your risk of developing full-blown diabetes by increasing your blood sugar levels, and prediabetic patients are even more predisposed!

How Can I Improve the Quality of My Sleep?

You should prioritize getting a good night’s sleep—this will give your body the chance to rest and repair the damage from the previous day, while also reducing the risk of elevated blood sugar levels. Here are some practical things to consider:

• Undergo a sleep test – This noninvasive procedure is performed by a sleep doctor (not a dentist) and will determine the cause of your sleep disruption.
• Seek sleep apnea treatment – If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, your dentist can provide treatment solutions including oral appliances, CPAP machines, TMJ therapy and more.
• Make lifestyle adjustments – Eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise can help keep your blood sugar under control, which can lower your risk of diabetes.
• Address other causes of poor sleep – If there are other factors causing you to miss out on sleep, address them. Sometimes a new mattress, bedtime routine, or mental health counseling can help.

Even though there are many reasons for not getting enough rest, sleep apnea is a common culprit. However, this condition is quite manageable if you seek treatment. By doing so, you’re also helping to reduce your risk of developing a serious health problem like diabetes.

About the Author

Dr. Deborah A. Romack has been helping patients in the Weatherford area get a good night’s sleep for over 20 years! Dr. Romack received her dental doctorate from the Baylor College of Dentistry and is a member of many professional organizations including the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association and more. If you have any questions about sleep apnea or would like to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact Dr. Romack online or by phone: (817) 594-3806.