Dr. Sanjay Kotwal
On the World Diabetes Day, Dr. Sanjay Kotwal, MBBS, MD(Internal Medicine), DM(Endocrinology) SKIMS Diabetologist & Endocrinologist Consultant Govt. Medical College, Jammu shares his views on how Obstructive Sleep Apnea and linked to Diabetes
The prevalence of diabetes is increasing, so is the “fear of diabetes”. Last week I met two patients, newly found to have diabetes and that had made them anxious with fear of complications and death. Some patients feel they have failed themselves because they probably have not taken good care of themselves.
Diabetes is not a statement of failure, and it is not a statement of impending doom. Diabetes is an opportunity: thanks to our powers of statistical prediction, we can now predict and also change our future. Diagnosis of diabetes gives us power to make appropriate changes in our lives and choose a long healthy life.
It makes us more mindful and aware; but there is one aspect hidden in the covers of night, which needs to come to light! Lot of people with diabetes snore and many of those who snore have episodes of interrupted breathing at night. This leads to low oxygen delivery which can negatively impact sugar control and increase risk of heart disease. This also needs to fragmented sleep, increased daytime sleepiness, poor concentration, fatigue and risk of accidents.
All people with diabetes, especially if those who are overweight, should get themselves evaluated for this condition called SLEEP APNEA. There are home or lab based sleep studies, which will tell you about your breathing pattern at night.
You need a sleep study if:
- Your partner tells you that you are snoring (you may not know that you are snoring at night)
- If someone has witnessed periods of not breathing, choking or gasping while sleeping
- Sleep arousals
- Dry throat
- Headaches in the morning
- Fatigue or sleepiness during day
- If you have uncontrolled sugars and you are overweight
Treatment involves losing weight, avoiding smoking and alcohol, healthy lifestyle and a device called CPAP two improve airflow at night.
“Sleep is the best meditation”-Dalai Lama
