Obstructive sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects approximately 30 million people in the United States! It can lead to a variety of negative symptoms, including loud snoring, fatigue, and difficulty focusing. What many people don’t know is that obstructive sleep apnea can increase your risk of developing serious health conditions, including type 2 diabetes. If you are pre-diabetic, continue reading to learn about the connection between the two conditions and why you may want to seek treatment from a sleep doctor.
What Is the Connection Between Pre-Diabetes and Sleep Apnea?
A study completed at the University of Hertfordshire published in the Journal of Diabetes and Vascular Disease Research found a significant link between poor sleep and elevated hemoglobin A1 (HbA1c) levels, which indicates high blood sugar. The higher the HbA1c level, the higher the risk of developing diabetes. In the study, participants who recorded poor quality of sleep tended to have higher blood sugar levels across a three-month period. This means that if you currently have prediabetes, it could be worsened by sleep apnea, so it’s crucial that you get tested and seek treatment if you are experiencing symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea can be made known in many different ways. Here are some of the most common symptoms:
- Loud snoring
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Waking up gasping or choking
- Dry mouth and/or sore throat in the morning
- Frequent morning headaches
- Difficulty focusing
- Mood changes
- High blood pressure
What Steps Can Be Taken to Address Sleep Apnea?
Getting quality sleep is always important for your body to thrive. Without much-needed rest, the systems in your body cannot work together normally, so you are at increased risk of a variety of serious health conditions, including elevated blood sugar. Here are some steps you should take if you show signs of sleep apnea:
- Seek a Diagnosis: To be treated for sleep apnea, you first must receive a diagnosis from a sleep doctor. By undergoing a sleep test, your sleep doctor can confirm whether or not sleep apnea is the culprit of your symptoms.
- Undergo Treatment: Once you’ve received your diagnosis, steps can be taken to relieve your symptoms. There are various options available, including CPAP therapy, oral appliance therapy, weight loss treatment, and more. By working with your sleep doctor, you can put together a plan that best meets your needs.
- Make Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and keep your blood sugar levels under control.
If you are pre-diabetic, it’s not too late to seek help! By taking the initiative and addressing sleep apnea, you may see the positive results you’ve been hoping for,
About the Practice
At Star Sleep & Wellness in Plano, we have a team that consists of a Sleep Dentist, Sleep Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, and a Licensed Psychologist. It is our goal to help our patients achieve the quality, uninterrupted sleep they deserve. To learn more about sleep apnea or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (214) 750-7776.