Sleep Disorder May Foretell Diabetes

03/31/08 Prevention

SDB occurs in about 17 percent of the adult population, and about 20 percent of the geriatric population.

None of the 6,441 study participants were diagnosed diabetic at the beginning of the study. The scientists theorize disruptions in the patterns of sleep alter oxygen consumption and impair glucose metabolism. These results were demonstrated by impaired glucose tolerance testing and impaired fasting glucose, as well as statistical analysis with other factors. The study concludes individual with SDB have a 20 to 70 percent higher chance of becoming diabetic than those with normal slumber breathing.

What does it mean?

If you are overweight you are already at risk for getting diabetes, and you are also more likely to have impaired breathing when asleep—that’s a double whammy. Individuals who are of normal weight experience SDB at a lower rate than those who are overweight; but those with extra pounds are in greater jeopardy of having diabetes than those without SDB.

SDB interrupts sleep patterns and affects your ability to function through the day. Snoring may be more than a source of annoyance for your spouse—it could be leading you down the path to cardiac problems and diabetes. You should speak with your physician regarding diagnosis and treatment.

Some relief may be at hand, depending on the source of the problem. Several assistive devices may be simple (like decongestants and nasal strips), or the more complicated CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) keeps the breathing passages open using a small mask.

Not all SDB is the same or a simple matter to diagnose, but it would be well worth the effort to find out if you can stave off diabetes.