Increased self or family incidence of diabetes (type 2). Type 1 diabetes is the insulin deficient type while the type 2 is the insulin resistant type. Not everyone who has SDB is obese although many are overweight.
Clearly there is a connection between overweight and obesity and type 2 diabetes, yet regular snoring and OSA are independently associated with alterations in glucose metabolism and what is termed the ‘metabolic syndrome’ – those with SDB appear to be risk factors for the development-of, and ineffective treatment of, type 2 diabetes.
Increased self or family incidence of diabetes (type 2). Type 1 diabetes is the insulin deficient type while the type 2 is the insulin resistant type. Not everyone who has SDB is obese although many are overweight.
Clearly there is a connection between overweight and obesity and type 2 diabetes, yet regular snoring and OSA are independently associated with alterations in glucose metabolism and what is termed the ‘metabolic syndrome’ – those with SDB appear to be risk factors for the development-of, and ineffective treatment of, type 2 diabetes.
One-third of patients with type 2 diabetes also suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Study results published in the current issue of Endocrine Practice suggest that patients with type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Researchers noted a high prevalence of OSA in men and women with type 2 diabetes of all ages; that men were more than twice as likely to have OSA than women; and, that OSA was particularly common in men over the age of 62.
OSA prevalence among patients with type 2 diabetes
This was the first prospective study to asses the prevalence of OSA in male and female adults with type 2 diabetes in a typical diabetes clinic. A study demonstrated an independent association between OSA and glucose intolerance and insulin resistance (American Journal of Epidemiology, 2004).
Another study (published in 2005) found that patients with OSA and type 2 diabetes who were treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy experienced a significant reduction in glucose levels (Archives of Internal Medicine, 2005).
“These findings demonstrate that obstructive sleep apnea has a high prevalence in adults with type 2 diabetes, given that treatment of obstructive sleep apnea has the potential to both decrease blood pressure and improve glycemic control, individuals with type 2 diabetes should be regularly screened for the presence of sleep apnea.”
Screening for OSA among patients with diabetes
Studies have the established link between OSA and type 2 diabetes.
According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 20 million people in the United States have diabetes, with over 20 percent of adults over the age of 60 suffering from the disease.
The ADA estimates that up to 95 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes are type 2. Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin and can lead to death if not treated properly.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million Americans suffer from OSA and up to 90 percent have not been diagnosed. OSA is a sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing stops during sleep as a result of a collapsed airway that prevents air from getting to the lungs.
These “apneic events” disrupt healthy sleep and cause a number of short-term and long-lasting effects that threaten sufferers’ health and well-being. OSA is linked to a number of long-term health risks, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, depression, sexual dysfunction and an increased risk of automobile accidents.
Does Obstructive Sleep Apnea cause Type 2 Diabetes ?
The American Diabetic Association states in its position paper – Physicians should be particularly cognizant of the likelihood of OSA in obese patients with type 2 diabetes, especially among individuals with higher waist circumference and BMI.
OSA is a public health emergency, an epidemic which is growing. The other growing epidemic is diabetes. Healthcare systems are simply not set up to deal with this truth – they could not (and cannot) possibly cope with the diseases.
They are however set up to treat the secondary illnesses following the base diseases, like cardiovascular and kidney disease, and high blood pressure, just ask the pharmaceutical companies.
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Good sleep is crucial to good health and longevity.
Dr. Stephen Bray 2019