Diabetes is a disease that can lead to plenty of dangerous complications. Some, like damage to the heart, kidneys and blood vessels, aren’t immediately obvious. But worrying about those problems isn’t the only thing that could keep a diabetic up at night.
Polyuria, the medical term for frequent urination, is a telltale sign of diabetes. And it could be the beginning of a slippery slope into more significant health problems.
“When blood sugars are too high, the kidneys try to remove that sugar via urination,” said Betsy Oriolo, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator with St. Elizabeth. “This means that individuals are more than likely going to be up several times a night to use the bathroom, resulting in very little solid sleep.”
That, in turn, could lead to overeating and weight gain. Inadequate sleep can cause cravings for carbohydrates because the body is looking for ways to increase energy levels. Carbohydrates, which are contained in sweets, milk, yogurt, fruit, and starchy foods, contribute to ever-higher blood-sugar levels.
Obesity – a major risk factor for developing diabetes ““ can also contribute to a person’s ability to get a good night’s sleep. Excess weight can make it harder for people to breathe while they sleep, possibly contributing to sleep apnea.
“Poor sleeping habits have not only been linked to diabetes and obesity, but also things like heart disease and depression,” Oriolo said. “They all go hand-in-hand.”
At the St. Elizabeth Physicians Weight Management Center, many patients are referred for sleep studies, and often, improved sleeping habits result in weight loss.
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is encouraged to ensure that diabetes doesn’t cause problems with getting a healthy night’s sleep. Also, it’s important to monitor and keep blood sugars under control, as well as take prescribed diabetes medication or insulin, to limit nighttime bathroom trips.
Although a recent study covered by the New York Times’ wellness blog suggested that men could be more affected than women by diabetes-related sleep issues, Oriolo says there are other studies that suggest the opposite is true.
While gender could play a role, one thing is certain: Controlling blood-sugar levels is important for getting a good night’s sleep for men and women alike.