Understanding the Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Diabetes
Sleep apnea and diabetes are two of the most common health conditions people face today. While they may seem unrelated, they are connected in more ways than you might think. Fortunately, our Farmington, NM sleep specialist, Dr. Charles Schumacher, can help you understand the connection between sleep apnea and diabetes, as well as the treatment options available at Desert Hills Dental Care.
If you or a loved one has diabetes and is experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, it’s important to seek medical advice. Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment at Desert Hills Dental Care by calling (505) 427-2936. Your health and well-being are important!
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes, and they can occur dozens or even hundreds of times throughout the night.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes blood sugar. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious health complications, such as heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve damage.
How Sleep Apnea Affects Diabetes
Sleep apnea affects people of all ages, but it is more common in individuals with diabetes. When a person has sleep apnea, their body is under constant stress, which can cause an increase in the production of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can cause an increase in blood sugar levels, making it harder for people with diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels.
Sleep apnea can also disrupt sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and quantity. This can contribute to insulin resistance, which occurs when the body is unable to use insulin effectively to regulate blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance can lead to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, especially in individuals with pre-existing risk factors such as obesity or a family history of diabetes.
In addition to the increased risk of developing diabetes, sleep apnea can also worsen existing diabetes symptoms such as neuropathy and retinopathy. It is important for people with diabetes to be aware of the potential impact of sleep apnea on their health and to seek medical advice if they suspect they may be at risk.
Sleep Apnea Treatments
Our Farmington sleep specialist offers several effective treatments for sleep apnea. The most common treatment is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, which involves wearing a mask over your nose and mouth that delivers a constant stream of air to keep your airway open during sleep. Other options include oral appliances that help keep your airway open, lifestyle changes such as weight loss and exercise, and surgery to remove excess tissue in the throat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can sleep apnea cause diabetes?
While there is no direct causal relationship between sleep apnea and diabetes, sleep apnea can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
What are the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea’s most common signs and symptoms include loud snoring, waking up gasping or choking, daytime fatigue, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
Can sleep apnea be cured?
While there is no cure for sleep apnea, there are several effective treatments available to help manage the condition and improve your quality of life.
Manage Sleep Apnea and Diabetes for a Better Quality of Life
Sleep apnea and diabetes are two conditions that can have a significant impact on your health and well-being. If you have sleep apnea or diabetes, you must schedule a consultation with your Farmington, NM dentist by calling (505) 427-2936 to develop a treatment plan that works for you. By managing your sleep apnea and diabetes, you can improve your quality of life and reduce your risk of serious health complications.