The National Healthy Sleep Awareness Project advises everyone with Type 2 diabetes to be aware of their high risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). November is National Diabetes Month.
Research shows that sleep apnea afflicts 7 in 10 people with Type 2 diabetes. OSA is a chronic disease that involves repetitive pauses in breathing during sleep.
“People with Type 2 diabetes are much more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea and should discuss their risk for sleep apnea with a doctor,” said Dr. Timothy Morgenthaler. He is the president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and national spokesperson for the Healthy Sleep Project.
Research suggests that treating sleep apnea with CPAP therapy has extra benefits for people with diabetes. Treatment can improve nighttime glucose levels and insulin sensitivity. CPAP provides gently pressurized air through a mask that you wear during sleep. The airflow keeps your airway open and restores normal breathing.
A common warning sign for sleep apnea is snoring. Learn more about your risk for sleep apnea and pledge to “Stop the Snore” by talking to a doctor.
