Sleep Apnea & Diabetes
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and type 2 diabetes are two closely linked conditions. There is a bidirectional relationship between these two disorders, meaning that having one can increase the risk of developing the other.
People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing OSA because diabetes can cause damage to the nerves and muscles that control the upper airway. This damage can lead to relaxation and collapse of the airway during sleep, resulting in sleep apnea.
On the flip side, those with OSA have a higher risk of developing diabetes. Sleep apnea causes disruption in an individual’s sleep patterns, leading to sleep deprivation and daytime sleepiness which in turn causes upset in the body's metabolism and hormonal balance. OSA has also been linked to insulin resistance, which is a precursor to type 2 diabetes.
These conditions share common risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and inflammation. Therefore, weight management with healthy nutrition and frequent exercise are essential in prevention and management of both disorders.
Treatment of OSA, such as with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or oral appliance therapy, has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and glycemic control in people with both OSA and diabetes. Therefore, it is important for people with either condition to be screened for the other and to receive appropriate treatment if necessary.
If you think that you or someone you know may be experiencing symptoms of OSA, visit mygemsleep.com. If you are already a patient of GEM SLEEP, your coach can support you through your treatment journey to better nights and healthier days.
If you are tired or exhausted do not operate a vehicle or machinery.
The information contained in this document is for educational purposes only, Sleep Apnea can only be diagnosed via a medically approved sleep study. A sleep study must be ordered and reviewed by a professional provider trained in Sleep Medicine.
GEM Sleep is focused on treatment and support of Sleep Apnea, not other sleep conditions.
Sleep Apnea & Diabetes
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and type 2 diabetes are two closely linked conditions. There is a bidirectional relationship between these two disorders, meaning that having one can increase the risk of developing the other.
People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing OSA because diabetes can cause damage to the nerves and muscles that control the upper airway. This damage can lead to relaxation and collapse of the airway during sleep, resulting in sleep apnea.
On the flip side, those with OSA have a higher risk of developing diabetes. Sleep apnea causes disruption in an individual’s sleep patterns, leading to sleep deprivation and daytime sleepiness which in turn causes upset in the body's metabolism and hormonal balance. OSA has also been linked to insulin resistance, which is a precursor to type 2 diabetes.
These conditions share common risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and inflammation. Therefore, weight management with healthy nutrition and frequent exercise are essential in prevention and management of both disorders.
Treatment of OSA, such as with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or oral appliance therapy, has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and glycemic control in people with both OSA and diabetes. Therefore, it is important for people with either condition to be screened for the other and to receive appropriate treatment if necessary.
If you think that you or someone you know may be experiencing symptoms of OSA, visit mygemsleep.com. If you are already a patient of GEM SLEEP, your coach can support you through your treatment journey to better nights and healthier days.
If you are tired or exhausted do not operate a vehicle or machinery.
The information contained in this document is for educational purposes only, Sleep Apnea can only be diagnosed via a medically approved sleep study. A sleep study must be ordered and reviewed by a professional provider trained in Sleep Medicine.
GEM Sleep is focused on treatment and support of Sleep Apnea, not other sleep conditions.