By Beverleigh H Piepers
The term "sleep apnea" describes a potentially dangerous sleeping disorder where breathing abnormally stops and starts repeatedly during sleep. There are two main types:
* obstructive sleep apnea: this is the more common form. In fact, as mentioned by the International Diabetes Federation, this type is seen in 80% of cases
* central sleep apnea: this is a type of sleep apnea where the brain and muscles that control sleep become uncoordinated and temporarily stop sending the correct breathing signals
There is a strong link between the development of obstructive sleep apnea and Type 2 diabetes. According to the International Diabetes Federation, forty percent of people diagnosed with the obstructive type sleep apnea have Type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, among the number of people with Type 2 diabetes, twenty-three percent may have this sleep-associated disorder.
What other conditions may help bring about sleep apnea in Type 2 diabetics?
1. Overweight and obesity: It is likely both these conditions play a role in the development of the obstructive type of sleep apnea. However, some recent clinical investigations reveal being heavier than normal may be an independent risk factor for this condition. This means being Type 2 diabetic and obese at the same time doubles your risk for this problem.
2. Poor blood sugar control: According to the International Diabetes Federation, having poor blood sugar control may also have a negative effect and encourage development of this condition.
3. Cardiovascular complications: Diabetics with cardiovascular complications such as heart failure, stroke and hypertension, are also at greater risk for developing this sleeping condition.
What are other risk factors not associated with Type 2 diabetes that can potentially worsen the symptoms of the obstructive sleep disorder?
* neck circumference: according to Mayoclinic.com, a neck circumference that is greater than 17 inches (43 cms) may serve as an independent risk factor. Why? A large neck circumference means that the neck is thicker and this can obstruct the airway giving rise to sleep apnea
* males: males are more prone to sleep apnea compared to their female counterparts, says Mayoclinic.com. In fact, men are two times more likely to have this problem compared to women
* age: anyone in the age group of 65 years and above are two to three times more likely to have sleep apnea compared to people in the younger-aged group
* muscle relaxants of the throat: alcohol, tranquilizers and even sedatives may cause your muscles to relax so much bringing about a continuous stopping and starting irregular breathing pattern
* smoking: are you a smoker? This is one warning for you. Smoking may lead to an irregular stop/start breathing pattern while you sleep. In fact, if you are a smoker, your risk for developing sleep apnea is three times more than those of non-smokers
The term "sleep apnea" describes a potentially dangerous sleeping disorder where breathing abnormally stops and starts repeatedly during sleep. There are two main types:
* obstructive sleep apnea: this is the more common form. In fact, as mentioned by the International Diabetes Federation, this type is seen in 80% of cases
* central sleep apnea: this is a type of sleep apnea where the brain and muscles that control sleep become uncoordinated and temporarily stop sending the correct breathing signals
There is a strong link between the development of obstructive sleep apnea and Type 2 diabetes. According to the International Diabetes Federation, forty percent of people diagnosed with the obstructive type sleep apnea have Type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, among the number of people with Type 2 diabetes, twenty-three percent may have this sleep-associated disorder.
What other conditions may help bring about sleep apnea in Type 2 diabetics?
1. Overweight and obesity: It is likely both these conditions play a role in the development of the obstructive type of sleep apnea. However, some recent clinical investigations reveal being heavier than normal may be an independent risk factor for this condition. This means being Type 2 diabetic and obese at the same time doubles your risk for this problem.
2. Poor blood sugar control: According to the International Diabetes Federation, having poor blood sugar control may also have a negative effect and encourage development of this condition.
3. Cardiovascular complications: Diabetics with cardiovascular complications such as heart failure, stroke and hypertension, are also at greater risk for developing this sleeping condition.
What are other risk factors not associated with Type 2 diabetes that can potentially worsen the symptoms of the obstructive sleep disorder?
* neck circumference: according to Mayoclinic.com, a neck circumference that is greater than 17 inches (43 cms) may serve as an independent risk factor. Why? A large neck circumference means that the neck is thicker and this can obstruct the airway giving rise to sleep apnea
* males: males are more prone to sleep apnea compared to their female counterparts, says Mayoclinic.com. In fact, men are two times more likely to have this problem compared to women
* age: anyone in the age group of 65 years and above are two to three times more likely to have sleep apnea compared to people in the younger-aged group
* muscle relaxants of the throat: alcohol, tranquilizers and even sedatives may cause your muscles to relax so much bringing about a continuous stopping and starting irregular breathing pattern
* smoking: are you a smoker? This is one warning for you. Smoking may lead to an irregular stop/start breathing pattern while you sleep. In fact, if you are a smoker, your risk for developing sleep apnea is three times more than those of non-smokers
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