A study published on April 3, 2014 in the European Respiratory Journal adds another health risk to the ever-growing list of evidence that links sleep apnea with diabetes.
Researchers looked at the data of 5,294 participants with sleep apnea. They found that the levels of glucose concentration were tied to the severity of sleep apnea, meaning that the more severe the sleep apnea, the higher the blood sugar levels in the body.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes the soft tissues of the throat to collapse during sleep, blocking the airways. Symptoms can include snoring, choking during sleep, gasping for air, waking throughout the night, daytime sleepiness and sore throat upon waking.
Obstructive sleep apnea is linked to many life-threatening diseases, including diabetes, heart attack, heart disease and stroke. From a lifestyle standpoint, it causes a host of emotional wellness concerns, including depression and memory issues.
If you or a loved one suffers from any of the symptoms above, call us today. Diagnosing sleep apnea is painless, and treatment can save your life.
By Ramie A. Tritt, MD, President, Atlanta ENT
