The Connection Between Type 2 Diabetes and Sleep

Diabetes affects more than 30 million people in the U.S. and more than half a billion worldwide. According to the IDF Diabetes Atlas, nearly half (44%) of adults living with diabetes remain undiagnosed, the majority having type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes and sleep are intricately connected, as many people with type 2 diabetes experience poor sleep quality and/or insomnia. Today is World Diabetes Day, a day in which our team at FusionSleep is using to raise awareness about diabetes education around the globe.

LINKING DIABETES AND SLEEP

 According to the CDC, 90-95% of all people in the United States diagnosed with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes, a disease where the body has difficulty regulating blood sugar levels. It’s estimated that 1 in 2 people with type 2 diabetes have sleep problems due to unstable blood sugar levels and accompanying diabetes-related issues. High blood sugar levels can negatively impact sleep by making you feel too warm, irritable, or unsettled. Research has also shown that sleep deprivation and insulin resistance may be linked.

High stress levels can cause cravings for sugar-filled foods. When we don’t get an adequate amount of sleep and are feeling lethargic, we tend to consume foods and drinks high in sugars and carbohydrates. Developing and normalizing an unhealthy diet puts you at risk for weight gain and increased blood sugar levels, which can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes.

STEPS TO LOWER YOUR RISK FOR DIABETES

 Is sleep a sufficient remedy for preventing the development of diabetes? Careful attention to diet, exercise, blood sugar levels, and sleep quality can make a world of difference in preventing a diabetes diagnosis and improving your overall health. Here’s what you can do for your health:

·      Develop a healthy eating plan and diet

 ·      Stay active/exercise regularly

·      Test your blood sugar and keep a record of the results

·      Monitor your feet, skin, and eyes to catch problems early

 ·      Practice stress-relieving activities

You don’t have to keep putting up with sleepless nights. At FusionSleep®, we have dedicated our entire medical practice to helping patients as young as two years old get their lives back through healthy sleep. We offer various sleep solutions, in-lab and at-home sleep testing options, and virtual appointments on our established telemedicine platform. Contact us today on our website or by calling 678.990.3962.