{"id":479,"date":"2022-05-01T16:29:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-01T16:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.weatherfordsleep.com\/blog\/?p=479"},"modified":"2022-06-08T16:36:47","modified_gmt":"2022-06-08T16:36:47","slug":"link-between-sleep-apnea-and-prediabetes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.weatherfordsleep.com\/blog\/2022\/05\/01\/link-between-sleep-apnea-and-prediabetes\/","title":{"rendered":"The Link Between Sleep Apnea and Prediabetes"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Sleep apnea<\/a> is an epidemic! Each night, over 18 million Americans miss out on countless hours of sleep because of this condition, and millions of additional cases go undiagnosed! However, this condition can become very problematic if left untreated. Not only is your body unable to achieve enough rest, but serious health problems can develop including fatigue, memory loss, heart disease, and even diabetes! Keep reading to learn more about the connection between obstructive sleep apnea and prediabetes, along with some tips for getting a better night\u2019s sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Does Sleep Apnea Have to Do with Prediabetes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most common forms of sleep apnea. It\u2019s characterized by blockage in your airway while you sleep\u2014when this happens, your body must exit deep sleep and wake up to normalize your breathing pattern. This interrupts your sleep cycle and inhibits your body\u2019s ability to rest and heal the daily wear and tear of your cells! But that\u2019s not all that\u2019s at stake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Researchers<\/a> at the University of Hertfordshire recently uncovered a connection between poor sleep and an increased risk of prediabetic patients developing type two diabetes. In the studies, patients who reported poor quality of sleep tended to have higher blood sugar levels across a period of three months. When your blood sugar levels are elevated, you\u2019re at risk for type two diabetes. This means that sleep apnea can actually increase your risk of developing full-blown diabetes by increasing your blood sugar levels, and prediabetic patients are even more predisposed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can I Improve the Quality of My Sleep?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You should prioritize getting a good night\u2019s sleep\u2014this will give your body the chance to rest and repair the damage from the previous day, while also reducing the risk of elevated blood sugar levels. Here are some practical things to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n