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Diabetes: Are You Doing What You Can?

Cutting Edge Research Hints Sleep May Factor into Risk

Some diseases strike people like they’re targeting a needle in a haystack. But stop and think: How many people do you know with diabetes? We have a hunch: More than one.

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), 24 million Americans – children and adults – have some form of diabetes. Not you? That’s good news. But, there’s a chance that you could be one of the 57 million who are at risk for having the most prevalent form of it – type 2 – in the future.

What is Type 2 Diabetes, Exactly?

Type 2 diabetes involves the body’s inability to recognize insulin (a hormone that is essential for the managing of sugars and starches) or produce enough of it.

Its impact can be tremendous. Among the dangers associated with type 2 diabetes are:

• Heart disease and stroke
• Obesity
• Kidney damage
• Nerve damage (neuropathy)
• Blindness
• Sexual dysfunction

I Don’t Get It…How Does Sleep Factor In?

If you’ve read up on the impact of sleep on health on this site, you know that those nighttime hours are at the heart of our body’s processes. Though a link to diabetes may sound odd, research is beginning to dig further into how rest factors in – both directly and indirectly.

Lack of sleep, or quality Zzzs, can contribute to weight gain . And, being overweight or obese greatly heightens your chances of becoming a diabetic. In addition to this, however, is the stunning data showing that poor sleep actually affects how insulin is used – which, of course, is a hallmark of the disease. Less than 6 hours of sleep a night on a regular basis more than quadruples the chances that your doctor will alert you to an abnormal blood sugar reading in 6 years, according to a study out of the University of Buffalo.

What Can I Do to Stay Diabetes-Free?

With this in mind, of course, make sure you get around 8 hours of quality sleep a night on the regular. Particularly if you find yourself gasping or snoring at night, or you wake up feeling unrefreshed and/or with dry mouth, see your doctor to determine if something (like sleep apnea) may be getting in the way of your rest. Same goes for if you’ve already been diagnosed.

Of course, snoozing is probably the most welcomed “to do” you’ll get from any physician. Other prevention tips may be a bit harder, but committing to them is crucial:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Engage in regular physical activity
• Eat a healthy diet
• Control high cholesterol and/or blood pressure, if applicable

Want to assess your personal risk? Visit the ADA’s website to take an assessment quiz.

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Did you know?

On average, those with diabetes spend 2 to 3 times more money on medical expenses than those without the disease.