Sleep apnea and diabetes share some risk factors, and there’s evidence that sleep apnea may make it more likely you will develop diabetes.

A number of large studies have shown that people with sleep apnea are more likely to develop diabetes. For example, in a study of over 6,616 patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea who were in the European Sleep Apnea Cohort, 28.9% had diabetes, even though they accounted for other risk factors such as being overweight.

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea. It happens when the soft tissues at the back of your throat collapse, blocking the airway and interrupting your breathing. The condition is more common in people who are obese, but it can occur in those who are not.

A person with obstructive sleep apnea may stop breathing for short periods of time, sometimes hundreds or thousands of times per night. This can disrupt your sleep, causing you to feel tired and lethargic.

The repeated pauses in breathing that are caused by obstructive sleep apnea can affect your metabolism. The oxygen deprivation can trigger your body to release a hormone that causes insulin resistance. This makes your glucose levels higher, and over time, can cause problems with your blood sugar control.

It may also increase your appetite, which can lead to weight gain and obesity. Lastly, it can lead to heart disease.

Other risk factors for sleep apnea include having certain medical conditions and taking certain medications, such as sedatives or tranquilizers. Having a family history of sleep apnea is another potential factor.

Consult your doctor or talk to The Air Station Singapore if you have symptoms of sleep apnea and seek for diagnosis and sleep apnea machine treatment as soon as possible.