Sleep Apnea, Type 2 Diabetes, and CGMs

Everything You Need to Know About their Connection, Benefits, and Management.

There's a significant connection between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and type 2 diabetes, with many individuals experiencing both conditions simultaneously. Studies have shown that approximately seven in ten individuals with type 2 diabetes also have OSA.

“By leveraging Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, individuals can effectively manage both diabetes and sleep apnea, leading to improved health outcomes and a higher quality of life,” says Robert Miller, Apria's Vice President of Sleep Business.

The Evolution of Diabetes Monitoring

For many years, managing diabetes required frequent finger sticks to monitor blood sugar levels. This method provided only a snapshot of glucose levels during testing, often missing daily fluctuations. The introduction of the Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) has revolutionized diabetes care.

What is CGM?

A Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) involves a tiny sensor that's inserted into the arm or abdomen. This sensor measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid and transmits readings every five or so minutes. This near real-time data offers a comprehensive view of glucose trends throughout the day, allows for patients to be alerted when their blood sugar levels drop or spike, and enables proactive management of blood sugar levels.

Benefits of CGM

Detailed Glucose Data: CGM provides continuous feedback on blood sugar levels, highlighting how foods, activities, and medications affect glucose.
Reduced Finger Sticks: With CGM, the need for frequent finger sticks is significantly reduced, making diabetes management less invasive and more convenient.
Hypo & Hyperglycemia Alerts: CGM systems alert users to rising or falling glucose levels, allowing for timely interventions before severe hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

The Symbiotic Relationship Between CGM and Sleep Apnea

The relationship between diabetes and sleep apnea is bidirectional, meaning both conditions influence the other. Poorly managed diabetes can exacerbate OSA symptoms, and on the flip side, untreated sleep apnea can lead to poorer glucose control.

How Sleep Apnea Impacts Diabetes

When breathing pauses during sleep, carbon dioxide levels increase in the blood, leading to several complications:

Insulin Resistance: The body's reduced ability to use insulin effectively results in higher blood sugar levels.
Elevated Blood Pressure: Persistent high blood pressure is common among individuals with OSA.
Cardiovascular Issues: There is a higher incidence of heart problems in those with unmanaged sleep apnea.
Morning Headaches and Daytime Fatigue: Inadequate sleep leads to fatigue, affecting daily activities and overall health.

Managing Both Conditions

Addressing both sleep apnea and diabetes can significantly improve health outcomes.

For Sleep Apnea: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

CPAP therapy involves using a machine that delivers a steady stream of pressurized air through a mask to keep the upper airways open during sleep. This prevents the pauses in breathing that characterize OSA, thereby reducing carbon dioxide buildup and improving insulin sensitivity.

For Diabetes: Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)

CGM is particularly beneficial for diabetes management. It monitors glucose levels overnight and alerts users to any significant spikes or dips. Maintaining stable blood sugar levels can reduce the severity of OSA symptoms, creating a positive feedback loop for overall health.

Understanding and managing the interplay between sleep apnea and diabetes is crucial. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy offer practical tools for managing these conditions. By improving sleep quality and maintaining stable glucose levels, individuals can achieve better health outcomes and enhance their quality of life.

See if You Qualify for Byram's CGM

If you have diabetes and struggle with sleep apnea, Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) could be a key player in your health management. Explore Byram Healthcare's CGM options and see if you qualify for this innovative technology.

References
Banghøj, Anne Margareta, Christoffer Krogager, Peter Lommer Kristensen, Klavs Würgler Hansen, Esben Laugesen, Jesper Fleischer, Simon Lebech Cichosz, et al. “Effect of 12-Week Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy on Glucose Levels Assessed by Continuous Glucose Monitoring in People with Type 2 Diabetes and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea; a Randomized Controlled Trial.” Endocrinology, diabetes & metabolism, August 8, 2020.
Cleveland Clinic. “Sleep Apnea Can Make Managing Diabetes More Difficult: What You Need to Know.” Cleveland Clinic, June 27, 2024.
“Continuous Glucose Monitors.” Byram Healthcare. Accessed July 19, 2024.
Dawson, Arthur, Lawrence E. Kline, Daniel F. Kripke, John W. Cronin, Farhad F. Shadan, George Dailey, Richard T. Loving, and Susan L. Abel. “CPAP Therapy of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Type 2 ...” Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, December 15, 2008.
Kingshott, Ruth. “Patients with Type 2 Diabetes or Hypertension Must Be Evaluated for Sleep Apnea.” American Academy of Sleep Medicine – Association for Sleep Clinicians and Researchers, August 23, 2017.
Muraki, Isao, Hiroo Wada, and Takeshi Tanigawa. “Sleep Apnea and Type 2 Diabetes.” Journal of diabetes investigation, September 9, 2018.

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