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The Twin Threats: Diabetes and Sleep Apnea

I am a lucky survivor of the deadly double onslaught of sleep apnea—specifically Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)—and type 2 diabetes. These two serious ailments have a symbiotic relationship, much like partners in crime who can't help but get each other into trouble.
Most sleep apnea patients eventually develop diabetes because OSA impacts our metabolic health. You see, with OSA, your sleep is frequently interrupted due to brief pauses in breathing. These interruptions lead to poor sleep quality. Disruptions in sleep patterns can result in subpar sleep quality, which subsequently impacts the body’s receptiveness to insulin. Insulin is a vital hormone that manages the levels of glucose in the blood. A decrease in insulin responsiveness can trigger an elevation in blood glucose levels, leading type 2 diabetes. It's like your body is saying, "I was going to regulate that sugar, but then I got tired."

On the flip side, having diabetes can increase your risk of developing sleep apnea. This is due to factors like obesity and nerve damage, both of which are common in individuals with diabetes. It's a vicious cycle—like deciding whether the chicken or the egg came first. In my case, I have no idea which came first, but the result is often a deadly duet.
Here's my advice: If you have sleep apnea, get tested for diabetes. If you're diabetic, get a sleep apnea diagnostic test. Treat both conditions simultaneously, or you're just asking for more trouble. Ignoring them can lead to a whole host of other health issues such as hypertension, heart disease, peripheral neuropathy, depression, erectile dysfunction, and renal diseases leading to kidney failure. And trust me, no one wants to collect the whole set of those ailments. Believe me, no one desires to amass the complete collection of these ailments.
Pursue testing, seek treatment, and equip yourself with the best odds to triumph over these challenges. Remember, the key to winning any battle lies in understanding your enemy. So, arm yourself with knowledge and take control of your health. After all, the most significant battles are fought and won within ourselves.

Author : Navdeep Lamba