Sleep & Diabetes

As new studies increasingly show a correlation between the quality of sleep and diabetes, your health is at risk more than ever. Even within a timeframe as short as three nights, failing to sleep deeply can have a negative effect on the body’s insulin management, particularly insulin resistance, the condition that causes Type II diabetes. This resistance could be as detrimental as gaining 20-30 pounds. 

Additionally, recent ties have been found between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and Type II diabetes. Up to 40 percent of those who have OSA also have diabetes; therefore, leading the medical community to test patients with diabetes to be screened for OSA. When treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), a common sleep apnea treatment, insulin-sensitive patients see improvement.
With the everyday needs of our careers, finances, and simply what we call “life,” sleep deprivation is becoming an epidemic. Many sleep as few as six – or even less – hours per night.

Why Sleep Is Important

• When the amount and quality of sleep is lacking, weight gain and obesity can result – which are factors that cause Type II diabetes.
• Not only can sleep issues be a factor in causing diabetes, but sleep deprivation can also aggravate it.
• Reduced sleep affects the body’s ability to control blood sugar levels and decreases glucose tolerance.
• Treating sleep disorders improves metabolism and overall diabetes control.

When to see the SleepCenter of the Rockies
Sleep is essential to good health. Whether or not you’re currently struggling with diabetes, if your body isn’t getting the sleep it needs, you may be at risk for this or other life-threatening diseases. The good news is - it’s not too late.

Contact the SleepCenter today. Or take our Sleepiness Test by clicking below.