Why is there a Link between Untreated Sleep Apnea and Diabetes?
Sleep apnea causes disrupted sleep. A person with untreated sleep apnea experiences temporary airway collapse which restricts or temporarily stops the flow of air into the lungs. During an apnea, blood oxygen levels drop rapidly and the individual awakens briefly (usually unaware of the awakening) gasping for breath. This may happen hundreds of times a night causing disrupted sleep and a feeling of not being rested for the sufferer. The physiologic stress that this causes may result in the release of cortisol by the adrenal glands. Increased levels of cortisol affect the body’s ability to properly metabolize glucose and release insulin. Untreated sleep apnea can increase blood sugars as it lowers energy. Gaining control of sleep apnea can be good for diabetes management. The good news is that type 2 diabetics with obstructive sleep apnea, who receive therapy for OSA, can lower their glucose levels.
