Fusion Sleep

ATTENTION: diabetics - be alert for snoring, sleep apnea and other sleep disorders

It is no secret that snoring and sleep apnea are linked to Type 2 Diabetes. Many research studies have demonstrated a relationship between these unhappy bedfellows. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) recommends that physicians who treat Type 2 Diabetes should collaborate with sleep specialists in order to evaluate all diabetic patients for snoring and Sleep Apnea.  
     Research has shown a strong link between snoring, sleep apnea, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, although the relationship is a complex one. What is clear, however, is that people with diabetes are at a much higher risk for cardio-vascular disease, ranging from high blood pres- sure to heart attack and stroke. Cardiovascular disease accounts for 50 percent of all diabetic deaths.      
     Snoring and sleep apnea are often found in people with Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure and people who are overweight. The most common symptoms are loud snoring and pauses in breathing which results in increased brain activity, fragmented sleep, drops in blood oxygen (hypoxia), and daytime sleepiness. 
     When sleep apnea occurs, the brain does not get the vital oxygen it needs and that puts a lot of stress on both the brain and the body. This stress has a profound effect on a number of metabolic pathways, all of which lead to glucose intolerance and Type 2 Diabetes. These pathways can be inappropriately activated during sleep as a result of sleep fragmentation or interruptions and frequent drops in oxygen supply. These sleep interruptions lead to dysregulation of Insulin production and can cause Type 2 Diabetes. 

All patients with Type 2 Diabetes should be evaluated for sleep apnea

The International Diabetes Federation has called for immediate action among the diabetes community to raise awareness in clinical practice and research by suggesting all Type 2 Diabetics should be evaluated for symptoms of snoring, observed sleep apnea and daytime sleepiness. So, if you have diabetes, please make sure that you are getting enough healthy sleep and aren't endangering your health and safety out on the road. Treatments for snoring and sleep apnea are readily available from accredited sleep medicine programs.  
     Fusion Sleep is an Accredited member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and is focused on improving the health, well-being and safety of professional drivers.  www.sleep4safety.com