Sleep Disturbances: Impact on Risk and Severity of Diabetes

Abstract

There has been a significant increase in people diagnosed with diabetes. It is estimated that by 2025, 300 million people worldwide will be diagnosed as diabetic. In the U.S. alone, 19.9 million people are expected to be diagnosed with diabetes by the year 2025, and 29 million cases by the year 2050. There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. Both types of diabetes are diagnosed when blood glucose levels are above normal. Both types of diabetes have serious medical sequelae including neurologic problems with neuropathies, retinopathies, kidney failure, gastroparesis, impaired wound healing, bladder control problems, erectile dysfunction, and cardiovascular complications. Given this broad spectrum of complications, research regarding modifiable risk factors is of paramount importance. Recent research has led to the important discovery of an association between sleep loss and type 2 diabetes. There are many categories of sleep disorders, though the types of sleep disorders that have been associated with type 2 diabetes include: short sleep duration, obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome. While requiring further exploration, this association is of great clinical significance as it may have numerous implications in both the treatment and diagnosis of both disorders. This review outlines the most cutting-edge research involving the relationship between the above sleep disorders and the risk of diabetes. What is clear from the research is that sleep of sufficient quantity and quality is essential for health and well-being, especially in those with diabetes. Sleep disorders are associated with type 2 diabetes, impairments in glucose metabolism, elevations of glucose and insulin, and insulin resistance, and may serve as a modifiable risk factor. Efforts made to improve sleep may prevent the development of these medical sequelae, though more research is needed.