Do your loved ones get annoyed with your consistent snoring? Do you find that you wake up drowsier than when you headed to bed? These are common signs of sleep apnea, which is a serious condition. Not only can it affect your rest during the night, but it can also influence your type 2 diabetes. It creates double the trouble when it comes to your health. Continue reading to learn more about why.
What Does It Mean to Have Sleep Apnea?
This sleep disorder is diagnosed when you stop breathing multiple times during the night. Your throat muscles relax and block your airways, happening for 10 seconds or more, and at least in five different episodes. It lowers the amount of oxygen you are getting and activates your fight-or-flight response, waking you up each time. It’s why you may feel more exhausted when you wake up, because you aren’t getting the restful sleep you deserve!
How Can Sleep Apnea Affect My Type 2 Diabetes?
The lack of oxygen is the main way that it affects type 2 diabetes. As the O2 level lowers, the carbon dioxide in your blood rises. While this is happening, you become more resistant to insulin, which in turn leads to higher blood glucose levels.
Additionally, these two conditions share a major risk factor: obesity. In type 2 diabetes, excess body fat leads to insulin resistance. For sleep apnea, the weight around your neck can narrow your airway. This makes it easier to collapse when the throat muscles relax.
Is There Anything I Can Do About My Sleep Apnea and Type 2 Diabetes
When it comes to treating both conditions, you should first try to deal with your sleep apnea. There are many effective options out there, such as a CPAP machine, which helps keep your airway open. You can also choose an oral appliance that slightly adjusts the position of your jaw, letting your airway stay clear and unhindered. In some cases, you can use a mix of both!
To manage your type 2 diabetes, you can follow a balanced diet and exercise to lose weight. It’s always best to talk to your physician to create a detailed treatment plan to maintain this condition.
Ignoring your signs of sleep apnea while having type 2 diabetes can have serious complications. It’s important to treat both as soon as possible to ensure that you stay healthy and have restful nights.
About the Author
Dr. Jeff Rodgers is a board-certified expert in sleep and treating those with sleep breathing disorders. He has specialized in this field of dental medicine and has been helping countless patients for over 20 years. Dr. Rodgers wants you to wake up feeling rejuvenated by helping you treat your sleep apnea. If you want to learn more about how he can help, visit our website to take our sleep assessment or call (770) 394-4310.