A recent study indicates that there is a statistically significant association between type two diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) during the REM sleep cycle. Dr. Kamran Mahmood and his colleagues from the University of Illinois in Chicago and colleagues evaluated a multi-ethnic sample of 1008 patients including Caucasians (16.9 percent), African Americans (66.9 percent) and Hispanics (14.9 percent) for OSA using polysomnography, an evaluation of brain waves and other body functions during sleep.Dr. Mahmood states “Type 2 diabetes is a multi-factorial disorder. REM-related OSA and its metabolic effects need to be investigated in more depth, and this can provide another unique avenue for intervention and control of type 2 diabetes.” The prevalence of type two diabetes was 30.1 percent in patients with OSA compared to 18.6 percent in patients without OSA”We believe that REM-related OSA is a marker of early OSA, especially in women and patients younger than 55 years,” Mahmood noted in a prepared statement. “Generally, OSA is worse in REM sleep compared to non-REM sleep because of neurologically mediated impairment of skeletal muscles of upper airway and ventilation. This may be the reason for closer association of REM-related OSA and type 2 diabetes.”Does your signifigant other complain about your snoring? Do you wake up in the morning feeling drained and unrested? Dr. Ban Barbat may be able to help. OSA also know as sleep apnea is a serious problem that your dentist can help you with.Source: Reuters
