Diabetes 101: Complications From Lack of Sleep

by IBD Medical on August 19, 2024

Explore how sleep affects diabetes management and blood sugar control. Get tips for better rest and learn how Glucology’s insulin pump belts, glucose meters, and fast-acting Glucochews support improved sleep and diabetes care. Prioritize quality sleep to enhance your overall health. T1D and Sleep. CGM. Hypotreat.

Lack of sleep can have serious consequences on our health. It has been associated with increased risk of various complications, highlighting the significance of addressing sleep deprivation for overall well-being.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2020), if you consistently sleep for less than 7 hours per night, it will become more difficult to control your diabetes. Insufficient sleep can cause the following problems:

increase insulin resistance, making it harder for your body to regulate blood sugar levels.

increase your appetite and reduce the feeling of fullness after meals, leading to overeating. It can make you more inclined to choose unhealthy, high-carbohydrate, and sugary foods.

It can hinder weight loss efforts by making it more challenging to shed excess pounds.

It can raise blood pressure and significantly increase the risk of a heart attack.

It can weaken your immune system, making it less effective at fighting off infections.

It can also increase the likelihood of experiencing depression and anxiety. (CDC, 2020).

Here is a flow chart published by National Library of Medicine explaining how sleep quality and quantity affects the human body:

-----

Fig. 1 The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Obesity, Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Disease

(Nedeltcheva, A.V. and Scheer, F.A.J.L. , 2014).

Addressing sleep deprivation is crucial to help prevent complications. Chronic lack of sleep can lead to increased risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, impaired cognitive function, and weakened immune system, negatively impacting overall health. Here are 10 tips for a good night's sleep: 10 Tips for sleeping better

References:

CDC (2020). Sleep for a Good Cause. [online] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/diabetes-sleep.html#:~:text=If%20you%20have%20diabetes%2C%20too

Nedeltcheva, A.V. and Scheer, F.A.J.L. (2014). ‘Metabolic effects of sleep disruption, links to obesity and diabetes’. Current Opinion in Endocrinology & Diabetes and Obesity, 21(4), pp.293–298.

Available at : https://doi.org/10.1097/med.0000000000000082

If you're interested in how sleep impacts diabetes management, check out these other popular articles:

- How Sleep Affects Blood Sugar Levels
- Tips for Better Sleep with Diabetes
- The Link Between Sleep Apnea and Diabetes
- Nighttime Hypoglycemia

Explore the challenges of sleeping in winter with diabetes and how cold weather can affect blood sugar levels. Learn how Glucology's products like Glucochews for nighttime lows, CGM patches for secure monitoring, and diabetes socks for warmth and circulation can help you manage diabetes effectively during winter nights.

For more insights and tips, visit our blog

Kelsie Patterson courageously faced her own diagnosis of type 1 diabetes with determination and drive, pushing her to pursue a multi-disiplinary approach to become a Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Care & Educator Specialist, and Certified Personal Trainer. Her passion for helping others motivated her to start "The Diabetes Dietitian" where she works directly with people managing type 1 diabetes to gain control over their blood sugars in order to achieve any life goals.

Diabetes 101: Complications From Lack of Sleep | Glucology T1D Tips

The content of this Website or Blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website or Blog.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (in the US) or 000 (in Australia) immediately, call your doctor, or go to the emergency room/urgent care.

Glucology is dedicated to transforming diabetes management with innovative and effective solutions. Our extensive range of products, including insulin pumps belts, blood glucose meters, and glucose management tools, is designed to support individuals in managing their diabetes with ease and confidence. Trusted by over 350,000 people in 23 countries, Glucology collaborates with major diabetes organisations to provide reliable and high-quality diabetes care.

Discover more about our products and solutions to enhance your diabetes management journey. Join our community and experience the difference with Glucology today!

SHOPPING CART

title

Diabetes 101: Complications From Lack of Sleep