Sleep Problems

People with either kind of diabetes usually have trouble sleeping getting adequate sleep. Type 2 diabetics experience sleep problems due to various reasons including obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, pain or discomfort, the need to use the restroom, etc.

Disturbed sleep has been shown to affect the body's blood sugar and insulin balance by laying a greater demand on the pancreas. Over an extended period, this causes Type 2 diabetes.

When the body doesn't get enough sleep, it requires more insulin to maintain adequate glucose levels. But insufficient sleep alters the sympathetic nervous system or the body's stress-control center and hormonal balances, which affect the regulation of glucose. Over time, sleep deprivation leads to inefficient activity of insulin-producing cells, thereby raising glucose levels and increasing risk of diabetes.

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