Many people remain unaware of their sleep apnea symptoms, such as excessive daytime sleepiness and gasping for air during sleep, which may indicate an increased risk for type 2 diabetes.
Insulin Resistance
During sleep apnea episodes, your airway periodically collapses, cutting off breathing and causing a consequent decrease in the oxygen level within the blood. The lower oxygen levels subsequently affect insulin output in the bloodstream. The lower production of the hormone decreases insulin sensitivity within cells, resulting in insulin resistance.
Inflammation
The body is bound to have an inflammatory response every time the intermittent lack of oxygen occurs. Inflammation affects other body organs including pancreas which is the primary site of insulin production.
Oxidative Stress
Another secondary consequence of apnea-induced episodes of hypoxia is oxidative stress. With oxygen levels dipping frequently, free radicals form. The free radicals are highly reactive and damaging to cells and tissues. As time passes, oxidative stress might damage the insulin receptors and block the action of insulin, causing a signalling response and leading to insulin resistance, impairing glucose metabolism, thus fostering the development of diabetes.
Metabolic Changes
Sleep disruption causes hormonal imbalances, especially hormones regulating appetite and metabolism. For instance, studies have shown that low sleep increases the level of ghrelin, the hunger hormone, and reduces the level of leptin, the hormone signalling fullness. All of these might trigger excessive ingestion and weight gain. Besides, altered glucose and impaired lipid metabolism can also heighten the chances of diabetes mellitus.