Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common and serious breathing disorder caused by partial or complete obstruction of the airways during sleep for which the use of a CPAP machine is essential. OSA affects many people and can cause symptoms such as snoring, choking, dry mouth, sore throat, headaches, daytime fatigue, memory problems, concentration problems, irritability and depression. OSA can even cause long-term health consequences such as heart disease and stroke.
DIABETES AND OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA
According to Snore Australia, there is a very strong link between obstructive sleep apnea and diabetes with a 58%-86% prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in people with type 2 diabetes. This translates to a disturbing 900,000 or more diabetic Australians with OSA, many of whom will be undiagnosed.
Sleep apnea is shown to be associated with poor glucose control, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, increased risk of developing advanced retinopathy and lowered cognitive function.
NEW STUDY ON CPAP MACHINES FOR 2018
A team of researchers from the West Virginia University School of Medicine in the USA are set to commence a new study in the hope of better understanding whether the effective treatment of sleep apnea can improve a patient’s ability to self-manage their diabetes.
One hundred and twenty people will take part in the twelve-week study. Half of the participants will be treated with a CPAP machine and the other half with a machine that looks like a CPAP machine but does not provide any of the benefits.
Information sessions will be provided to educate the group on general diabetes self-management and blood sugar control with quizzes to gauge understanding and response. Activity levels and blood glucose levels will be monitored throughout.
HOW THE STUDY WILL HELP DIABETES AND OSA SUFFERERS
The results of this study will help to inform healthcare providers as to how they can best support those already diagnosed with sleep apnea to get the best use from their CPAP machines and whether screening is advisable for all diabetics and prediabetics.
This study could result in improved diabetes control simply from the proper use of a CPAP machine, improving patient health, well-being and long-term survival.
TESTING FOR OSA
If you have any of the symptoms of sleep apnea it would be wise to discuss it with your doctor as soon as possible, particularly if you have diabetes or prediabetes. If you discover you need to get kitted out with a CPAP mask, speak to us at ApneaSeal. We provide 3D custom-made CPAP masks so that you can find the fit that provides the optimum level of comfort while you sleep.