Diabetes Education Articles

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: An Unidentified Complication?

Contributed by Fit4D Nutrition Coach
Natalie Noah-Wilson, RD, LDN, CDE

The International Diabetes Federation has recently released information related to the connection between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and type 2 diabetes. According to the IDF, OSA is the most common form of sleep-disordered breathing, accounting for more than 80% of cases. Estimates suggest up to 40% of people with OSA will develop type 2 diabetes, and the prevalence of OSA may occur in as many as 23% of those already diagnosed with diabetes.

If you have type 2 diabetes and OSA, it could have an impact on your blood glucose control. One possible reason for this is an increase in the area of the nervous system that affects the “fight or flight” response and can cause release of adrenaline. Because of lack of oxygen in OSA, insulin sensitivity can be decreased. Another possible cause for decreased glucose control in OSA is an increase in cortisol levels which can make you insulin resistant. OSA is also associated with cardiovascular complications such as high blood pressure, stroke, and congestive heart failure.

As a result of these findings, the IDF released a consensus statement for healthcare professionals. It recommends that all healthcare professionals should be educated about the links between OSA and type 2 diabetes and that healthcare professionals should ensure that their patients who present with one of the two disorders be considered for the other. For example, if you have type 2 diabetes, you would need to be considered for OSA. If you have OSA, you should be considered for diabetes or metabolic syndrome.

If you have been diagnosed with OSA, lifestyle modification such as weight loss and avoidance of alcohol and sedative medications may be helpful. Other treatments may include CPAP, use of oral appliances to help hold the throat open during sleep, and surgery. If you suspect you  have OSA, there is a simple screening tool you can use which may be helpful when communicating with your physician. It is called the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and it is availale online at www.stanford.edu/~dement/epworth.html.

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