Living with Diabetes

Diabetes: A to Zzzzz

Many men with diabetes also suffer from obstructive sleep apnea or OSA, a breathing disorder where the airway is blocked when the mouth and throat relax during sleep, often for more than 10 seconds.

Are you ever jolted awake by the sound of your own snoring? Loud snoring is a sign that you may have OSA. Your family or partner may make jokes about snoring at your expense but sleep apnea is no laughing matter. Sleep apnea can be dangerous to your health. Untreated sleep apnea can increase your risk of having high blood pressure and even having a heart attack or stroke. Sleep apnea can also increase the risk of diabetes and the risk for work-related accidents and driving accidents.

Although anyone can have sleep apnea, the greater risk factors include:

• Being male
• Smoking
• Being overweight or obese

If you fit this profile, you should talk to your health care provider about taking a test to determine if you suffer from sleep apnea.