An estimate from 2021 stated that more than 38 million American adults have type 2 diabetes, a condition which, left uncontrolled, can lead to devastating health consequences. More than 100 million people have prediabetes, indicating that they are at-risk of their condition progressing to full-blown type 2 diabetes. If you are in the latter group, it is important that you do everything in your power to reverse your prediabetes — and good sleep might help you do that! In this blog post, you will learn how prediabetes is linked to sleep apnea and how treatment can play a role in protecting your health.
The Link Between Prediabetes and Sleep Apnea
People with prediabetes have an elevated A1C, which is a measurement of their blood glucose levels over time. Sleep apnea is a separate condition, which occurs when tissues in the throat repeatedly block airflow during the night, leading to pauses in breathing.
These pauses in breathing are dangerous; they lead to reduced oxygen levels, which in turn can negatively affect the body’s ability to control glucose levels. Therefore, not only is sleep apnea bad news for diabetics, but it can also increase the risk that prediabetics will develop full type 2 diabetes.
How Treatment Can Help
The good news is that high-quality sleep has the potential to improve your A1C! A study from 2015 showed that, over a two-week period of time, the participants who used a CPAP machine (rather than a placebo) showed improvements in their ability to regulate insulin. They also had improved blood glucose levels and reduced levels of stress hormones. (Stress hormones can significantly interfere with blood sugar control.)
Of course, some people find it difficult to use a CPAP consistently. Fortunately, other approaches can be just as effective. Many patients find success with an oral sleep appliance, a custom device that repositions the lower jaw and keeps the airway open during sleep.
What Should You Do?
If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes, you should follow your doctor’s recommendations for managing your condition.
You should also pay attention to potential symptoms of sleep apnea and take appropriate action to improve the quality of your nightly rest. You might require sleep apnea treatment if:
- You snore loudly and frequently.
- Your partner has noticed that you sometimes stop breathing at night.
- You always feel exhausted.
A professional can refer you for sleep apnea testing and help you get on the road to better sleep — and hopefully, to improved blood glucose levels!
Meet the Practice
At Moreno & Young Dental, our practice is home to three highly skilled dentists. Together, our team works to help patients address a range of health concerns, including sleep apnea! We offer oral appliance therapy, a comfortable and effective alternative to CPAP. If you suspect you have sleep apnea or would like to learn about treatment options, contact our Bellingham office at 360-676-0642.