Diabetes Management
Diabetes & Sleep Cycle: Is there a Connection?
2 min read
Published on - 20 September 2023
Share this article
0
0 like
Diabetes is a complex and chronic medical condition affecting millions worldwide. While it is primarily associated with elevated sugar levels and impacts various organs, it also disrupt your sleep cycle. In this blog, we’ll explore how diabetes can influence your sleep cycle.
How Does Diabetes Affect Your Sleep Cycle?
Diabetes can disrupt your sleep cycle in several ways. Fluctuating blood sugar levels and diabetes-related complications can lead to insomnia, frequent awakenings and an increased risk of sleep disorders, affecting the overall quality of your sleep.
- Fluctuating Blood Sugar Levels
Diabetes is characterised by the body's inability to regulate blood glucose effectively, resulting in either high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) or low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Both of these extremes can disrupt your sleep.
While hyperglycemia can lead to increased thirst and frequent urination, hypoglycemia can result in night sweats or nightmares due to hunger and shakiness.
- Sleep Apnea
People with diabetes are at an elevated risk of developing sleep apnea, a sleep disorder characterised by pauses in breathing during sleep. Due to altered glucose metabolism and insulin resistance, sleep apnea can disrupt your sleep cycle by causing repeated awakenings.
- Neuropathy and Restless Leg Syndrome
Diabetes can cause neuropathy, a condition characterised by nerve damage, particularly in the legs and feet. This neuropathy can result in uncomfortable sensations, such as burning or tingling, which may intensify at night.
Conclusion
It is crucial for individuals with diabetes to recognize that the condition can profoundly impact their sleep cycle. Sleep disruptions related to diabetes can contribute to daytime fatigue, worsen diabetes-related complications, and affect overall well-being. Therefore, proactive management of diabetes is essential for better sleep., including regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, medication adherence, and a healthy lifestyle.
Diabetes Management
Consult Top Diabetologists
View AllLeave Comment
Recommended for you
Diabetes Management
Why urinary tract infection occurs commonly in diabetics?
Researchers have found that women and older adults with uncontrolled diabetes are at a higher risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs). Factors contributing to frequent UTIs in diabetics include higher glucose concentration in urine, high glucose levels in the renal parenchyma, impaired immunity, and nerve damage in the urinary tract leading to reduced bacterial clearance. Studies suggest that bladder dysfunction due to diabetic neuropathy affects a significant percentage of diabetic women.
Diabetes Management
Can Diabetes Cause Hormonal Imbalance?
Diabetes can affect various hormones crucial for bodily functions. This imbalance can disrupt blood sugar regulation, increase the stress hormone cortisol, and impact sex and thyroid hormones. Managing diabetes through consistent monitoring, medication adherence, a balanced diet, exercise, and stress management is essential to prevent and mitigate these hormonal imbalances. Understanding the connection between diabetes and hormonal disruptions is key to improving overall well-being and achieving control over diabetes.
Diabetes Management
How to Control Your Blood Sugar This Navratri
Navratri fasting can be challenging for those with diabetes, but with careful planning, it's manageable. Start by consulting your healthcare provider for personalised advice. Opt for low-glycemic foods like buckwheat (kuttu) and amaranth (ramdana) and practice portion control to prevent overeating. Including protein sources and healthy fats in your diet can help control hunger and stabilise energy levels. Stay well-hydrated with water and herbal teas, monitor your blood sugar levels regularly, and choose sugar-free or low-sugar sweets mindfully. When breaking your fast, opt for a balanced meal to avoid sudden spikes in blood sugar. These strategies can help you enjoy Navratri while maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Subscribe
Sign up for our free Health Library Daily Newsletter
Get doctor-approved health tips, news, and more.
Visual Stories
8 Fruits That are Incredibly Healthy for Diabetes
Tap to continue exploring
Recommended for you
Diabetes Management
Why urinary tract infection occurs commonly in diabetics?
Researchers have found that women and older adults with uncontrolled diabetes are at a higher risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs). Factors contributing to frequent UTIs in diabetics include higher glucose concentration in urine, high glucose levels in the renal parenchyma, impaired immunity, and nerve damage in the urinary tract leading to reduced bacterial clearance. Studies suggest that bladder dysfunction due to diabetic neuropathy affects a significant percentage of diabetic women.
Diabetes Management
Can Diabetes Cause Hormonal Imbalance?
Diabetes can affect various hormones crucial for bodily functions. This imbalance can disrupt blood sugar regulation, increase the stress hormone cortisol, and impact sex and thyroid hormones. Managing diabetes through consistent monitoring, medication adherence, a balanced diet, exercise, and stress management is essential to prevent and mitigate these hormonal imbalances. Understanding the connection between diabetes and hormonal disruptions is key to improving overall well-being and achieving control over diabetes.
Diabetes Management
How to Control Your Blood Sugar This Navratri
Navratri fasting can be challenging for those with diabetes, but with careful planning, it's manageable. Start by consulting your healthcare provider for personalised advice. Opt for low-glycemic foods like buckwheat (kuttu) and amaranth (ramdana) and practice portion control to prevent overeating. Including protein sources and healthy fats in your diet can help control hunger and stabilise energy levels. Stay well-hydrated with water and herbal teas, monitor your blood sugar levels regularly, and choose sugar-free or low-sugar sweets mindfully. When breaking your fast, opt for a balanced meal to avoid sudden spikes in blood sugar. These strategies can help you enjoy Navratri while maintaining stable blood sugar levels.