Diabetes and Sleep Apnoea
According to clinical research, nearly half of the people diagnosed with Type II diabetes will also have sleep apnoea. Those people that are obese are even more likely to have sleep apnoea. Although these findings don’t prove that sleep apnoea can cause diabetes or vice versa, they show a connection that needs further exploration. It also means that anyone diagnosed with Type II diabetes might wish to look into whether they have sleep apnoea or are at risk of developing this condition.
What Is the Relationship between Sleep Apnoea and Diabetes?
There has been considerable research into the connection between these two conditions, but it’s not clear what exactly this might be, and studies are inconclusive. As far back as 2005, a study tried to discover if an independent relationship existed between sleep apnoea and Type II diabetes and identify why so many people have both conditions. However, evidence from clinical studies and population studies strongly suggests an independent connection between Type II diabetes and sleep apnoea, highlighting the importance of considering these diseases if you have been diagnosed with either.
Preventive Measures
It’s impossible to say that if you have sleep apnoea, you will go on to develop Type II diabetes or vice versa, but the evidence seems to suggest that your likelihood of developing one or the other is increased. Therefore, if you have sleep apnoea, it’s important to be aware of the risk factors for Type II diabetes and to do everything you can to reduce these risks. If you have already been diagnosed with Type II diabetes, then it’s worth taking steps to ensure you have a healthy sleep regime and taking action if you think you could have sleep apnoea or have some of the risk factors for this condition. Many health professionals already consider the connection between these two health problems and will ensure a patient diagnosed with one is considered for the other and is aware of the potential risks.
How to Tell If You Might Have Sleep Apnoea?
Regardless of whether you have Type II diabetes, it’s worth being aware of the signs of sleep apnoea. One of the biggest signs is daytime sleepiness, even though you feel as if you should’ve had plenty of sleep. People with obstructive sleep apnoea often snore loudly, but snoring is punctuated by frequent pauses in breathing, often for several seconds, before breathing restarts with a loud snort or gasp. If you suspect you might have sleep apnoea it’s worth asking a sleeping partner or recording your sleep to see if you have this symptom. Other signs include poor concentration, a lack of energy and forgetfulness during the daytime. People with sleep apnoea often wake up with a severe headache, can feel depressed or anxious and are prone to weight gain. Another symptom is needing to urinate more frequently at night or suffering from sexual dysfunction.
A sleep study is usually essential for diagnosing sleep apnoea, where the quality of your sleep is monitored at home to assess if you have sleep apnoea so that a suitable treatment plan can be recommended.