New research links sleep apnea and Type II Diabetes, according to Dr. Ulysses Magalang, a sleep expert with Ohio State University Medical Center. Studies indicate that patients with sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea are three times as likely to suffer from Adult Onset (type II) Diabetes. Other research has found that nearly 40 percent of men with Type II Diabetes are also diagnosed with sleep apnea.It is a startling statistic, and one that should send a wake up call about the seriousness of sleep disorders such as frequent snoring. Conditions like obstructive sleep apnea have long been associated with an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and even impotence, however many people don’t make the connection with Type II Diabetes.

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which an individual actually stops breathing during sleep. While the person is in a relaxed sleep state, the muscles in the back of their neck and throat relax, allowing tissue from the soft palate to block the airway. This blockage triggers the brain to send constant signals to the body, causing frequent waking.

The sleep apnea cycle can be repeated hundreds if not thousands of times per night.The basic connection between the two ailments boils down to obesity. Both conditions are common in patients who are extremely overweight. In addition, these patients are more likely to suffer from insulin resistance.

Research has shown that the upper airway obstruction caused by sleep apnea can lead to a condition known as oxygen desaturation. This desaturation increases certain hormone levels such as cortisol, which causes increased insulin resistance. Increased cortisol levels are also common in diabetic patients. When levels are elevated, the body does not function properly and can create serious metabolic issues.

Cortisol is responsible for, proper glucose metabolism, regulation of blood pressure, insulin release for blood sugar maintenance and a variety of other biological functions. Another cortisol connection is the fact that it is often released when the body is under stress. A time of stress for the apnea sufferer is likely when the brain senses it is not receiving enough oxygen. To reduce the serious complications that sleep apnea and diabetes present, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of the conditions.

While not every sleep apnea sufferer is diagnosed with Type II Diabetes, having the condition puts you at greater risk of developing this and other serious aliments. In the end frequent monitoring and communicating health changes to your doctor are crucial to receiving the correct treatments and best possible patient care.

Traditional treatments with CPAP, though effective, has a high rate (over 60%) of patients that are intolerant to wearing the masks for a variety of reasons. As Dr. Ulysses Magalang, a sleep expert with Ohio State University Medical Center points out in the video segment, new alternative treatments are needed. New treatments like oral appliance such as the FDA approved Full Breath Solution, have over an 85% success rate.

Please do not hesitate to leave a comment or contact me directly at 888-31-SNORE

Share This