Sleep Apnoea and Type 2 Diabetes

What is Sleep Apnoea?

Sleep apnoea is a condition where your breathing stops and starts intermittently while you sleep.

Symptoms can include:

• Snorting, choking or gasping noises while sleeping
• Breathing stopping and starting
• Walking throughout the nights
• Snoring loudly
• Feeling tired throughout the day
• Mood swings
• Finding it difficult to concentrate
• A headache when you wake

Is sleep apnoea linked to type 2 diabetes?

There is evidence to show a link between sleep apnoea and developing type 2 diabetes. Sleep apnoea momentarily deprives the body of oxygen, which increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream. This extra carbon dioxide leads to a damaging effect to blood glucose levels and an increase in insulin resistance.

How can I treat sleep apnoea?

In some cases, lifestyle changes can help sleep apnoea symptoms, such as losing weight, giving up smoking or reducing alcohol consumption. Many may need a CPAP machine, which is a wearable mask that gives you oxygen while you sleep, but this is provided by the NHS if you need it.

It is always recommended to see a GP if you have any concerns to ensure you have the correct diagnosis and treatment plan. But if you need any support with weight loss, getting more active, or controlling your blood glucose levels, you can sign up for one of our memberships with our MySugarWatch needle-free, continuous glucose monitor, and our coaching support.

References:

Muraki I, Wada H and Tanigawa T (2018) ‘Sleep Apnea and Type 2 Diabetes’, J Diabetes Investig, 9(5), pp. 991-997.

NHS (2022) Sleep Apnoea. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sleep-apnoea/ (Accessed on 21 November 2022).