How Can Type 2 Diabetes and Sleep Apnea Be Connected?

In this article, we will Did you know that more than half of people with type 2 diabetes also suffer from sleep apnea? These two issues can be troublesome enough to deal with on their own, but in many cases, they can actually be connected to each other. Just what is the relationship between sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes? Here are the basics that you should be aware of if you want to protect your overall health.

How Sleep Apnea and Type 2 Diabetes Can Be Related

One of the reasons type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea are often associated with each other is that they share a common risk factor – namely, obesity. Excess body fat is known to be connected to increased insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. At the same time, people who are overweight are more likely to have their airways obstructed while sleeping by fat deposits in the neck. This results in the pauses in breathing that characterize sleep apnea.

Furthermore, sleep apnea can lead to higher glucose levels in your blood, thus making type 2 diabetes worse. This is a side effect of the pauses in your breathing; lower blood oxygen levels can increase your body’s insulin resistance.

What Can You Do About Sleep Apnea and Type 2 Diabetes?

Having your sleep apnea properly treated can go a long way toward making your type 2 diabetes easier to manage. Of course, first you’ll need to have the disorder diagnosed by undergoing a sleep test. Once the presence of sleep apnea has been confirmed, you can start exploring potential solutions.

Depending on how severe your sleep apnea is, your sleep dentist may be able to treat it with the help of an oral appliance. By slightly repositioning your jaw and/or holding your tongue in place, an oral appliance can help you maintain a clear airway so that you can breathe easily throughout the night.

You should also speak to your regular physician to develop a plan for addressing your type 2 diabetes. In addition to prescribing you certain kinds of medication, they may also suggest taking steps to lose weight and making some adjustments to your diet.

If you believe you may have sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes, it’s essential to act quickly to get the care you need as soon as possible. That way, you’ll have the best chance of avoiding the most severe complications of these potentially serious health issues.

About the Author

Dr. Jonathan Held is a graduate of the Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, and he is the only Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine in Northern Arizona. He offers various kinds of oral appliances that can help patients with sleep apnea enjoy more restful nights. If you’re looking for a solution for sleep-disordered breathing and want to schedule a consultation with Dr. Held at Sleep Better Southwest in Prescott Valley, Sedona, Flagstaff, or Kingman, visit his website or call (928) 778-4555.discuss…