Diabetics With Obstructive Sleep Apnea May Face Increased Risk for Painful Condition

Diabetics who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may face an increased risk for a painful condition known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy, according to a recent study conducted in the United Kingdom.

The research, the findings of which were reported in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, focused on 234 adults with a mean age of 57 years who have type 2 diabetes. Sixty-five percent of the patients were diagnosed with OSA, with 40 percent of patients suffering from moderate to severe OSA.

The prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy—a nerve disorder that can cause pain or numbness in the hands, arms, feet and legs—was significantly greater in patients who suffered from sleep apnea. According to the study, 60 percent of the diabetic patients with OSA experienced neuropathy while only 27 percent of the diabetics without sleep apnea experienced neuropathy.

Although the role of sleep apnea in the development of diabetic peripheral neuropathy warrants further review, researchers noted that nitrotyrosine and lipid peroxide levels were elevated in patients with OSA.

This findings of this study demonstrate yet another reason why it’s important to undergo evaluation if you experience any symptoms of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea has been associated with numerous severe health problems if not treated.

Fortunately, the burgeoning field of dental sleep medicine provides a number of treatment options, including the use of comfortable, custom-made oral appliances.

If you or your partner suffer from chronic snoring or other sleep apnea symptoms, a dentist with experience diagnosing and treating sleep disorders may be able to help. Please contact IHateCPAP.com to locate a qualified dentist near you.

Sleep Apnea May Boost Carbohydrate Cravings Among Diabetics

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may spur a dangerous craving for carbohydrates among people with type 2 diabetes, according to a recent study that was formally presented this week at the annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies.

OSA has already been associated with an increased risk for diabetes, but this new study suggests that primary care physicians should consider screening for OSA in patients who have type 2 diabetes, according to the study’s authors.

“Previous studies have shown that sleep deprivation may lead to changes in hormones that regulate appetite and hunger,” said Dr. Mahmood Siddique, a clinical associate professor of medicine at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey, in a news release. “These hormonal changes can lead to significant craving for high-calorie carbohydrates such as cookies, candy, breads, rice and potatoes.”

Unrestricted carbohydrates of this nature can be especially harmful to diabetics. Researchers found that diabetics with diagnosed sleep apnea were almost two times more likely to have high carbohydrate cravings as patients without sleep apnea.

The study focused on 55 people who were tested for diabetes, OSA and carbohydrate cravings. More than half of the group had type 2 diabetes, and 82 percent of the diabetics suffered from OSA; the diabetic patients sampled had nearly double the risk of carbohydrate cravings.

Although the research did not establish a direct cause-and-effect link, the study did indicate the importance of considering sleep apnea as a key risk factor in regulating blood sugar among those with diabetes.

Obstructive sleep apnea has been associated with a wide range of health problems, but the field of dental sleep medicine offers a number of treatments beyond the traditional continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices. Many patients have found success with oral appliances, which are more comfortable to wear than CPAP.

If you or a loved one suffers from chronic snoring or other sleep apnea symptoms, a dentist experienced with diagnosing and treating sleep disorders may be able to help. Please contact IHateCPAP.com to locate a qualified dentist near you to learn more about sleep apnea assessment and treatment.

Damaging Effects of Obstructive Sleep Apnea May be Evident Within 30 Days

The damaging effects of the potentially deadly sleep disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be evident within as little as 30 days after the onset of the condition, according to a model designed by researchers at the Baylor College of Medicine in Texas.

Although OSA has long been associated with an increased risk of stroke, the effect of sleep apnea on brain vessels is still unclear. Previous study models have exposed animals to a decrease in blood oxygen levels in order to attempt to replicate the effects of apnea, in which a person’s breathing stops periodically during sleep.

The new model developed by Texas researchers induces a closure of the airway to more thoroughly reflect true sleep apnea. Using this method, researchers induced 30 apneas of 10 seconds each per hour in animals for eight hours during sleep cycles.

Researchers found that after just 30 days of exposure, the brain vessel function was reduced by as much as 22 percent, dramatically increasing the risk for stroke. The findings indicate that damage to the vascular lining in brain arteries could be a factor that predisposes people with OSA to stroke.

Although obstructive sleep apnea is a dangerous and widespread affliction that affects tens of millions of Americans, it is treatable. The field of dental sleep medicine offers a number of treatment options that are effective and more comfortable than traditional continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices.

A qualified sleep dentist can assess your sleep apnea symptoms and recommend a treatment option specific to your needs, including oral appliances.

If you or a loved one experiences chronic snoring or other symptoms of sleep apnea, please contact IHateCPAP.com to locate an experienced sleep dentist near you.

Children and Sleep Apnea

According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million Americans—including children—are thought to suffer from a form of sleep apnea.

Yet many cases of sleep apnea in children go undiagnosed because its symptoms are often attributed to behavior problems, learning disabilities, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and other conditions. Without treatment, sleep apnea in children can lead to cognitive problems and an increased risk for severe health complications.

During sleep, a child who suffers from sleep apnea may:

• Snore loudly and regularly
• Experience regular pauses in breathing
• Wake up gasping, snorting and short of breath
• Be restless

During the day, a child with sleep apnea may:

• Have difficulty staying awake
• Experience morning headaches
• Be irritable and aggressive
• Have behavior or social problems
• Have difficulty focusing on tasks such as schoolwork

Fortunately, advancements in dental sleep medicine have made it easier for qualified dentists and other medical professionals to diagnose and treat sleep apnea. Today, there are a number of safe and effective sleep apnea treatments for children and adults alike.

In addition to traditional treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, there are a number of oral appliances that fit comfortably and allow you to maintain an open airflow.

If your child suffers from chronic snoring or other symptoms of sleep apnea, please contact IHateCPAP.com to locate an experienced sleep dentist near you.