Sleep. We talk about it a lot; not getting enough and needing more are usually at the top of the list. For people with diabetes or those with pre-diabetes, the relationship between sleep and blood glucose level is antagonistic, as they both can negatively impact the other.

To start, not sleeping enough or sleeping too much can increase your risk for type 2 diabetes.  Additionally, diabetes complications like increased thirst and urination can make it harder for you to sleep; yet diabetes can also make you more tired and fatigued.

If you are diabetic, you know how difficult it can be to sleep if your blood glucose levels are not in check. Eating healthily and exercising are crucial to keeping blood glucose levels where they should be and in turn increasing your chances for a good night’s sleep. Test your blood sugar before bed, so that you can head off any problems that may interrupt your sleep later.

For those of you who are at risk of developing diabetes, your sleep habits can negatively impact your risk. It is not uncommon to reach for sugary and caffeinated drinks to help wake you up in the morning.  If you did not sleep well, these drinks may be your go-to, all the while adding to your weight and further increasing your risk for diabetes.

With that said, it’s also been noted that taking naps and sleeping extremely long stretches of time can also increase your risk. Disrupting your circadian rhythms and internal clock can lead to issues with your metabolism, cardiovascular system, and immune system.

So what does all this contradictory information mean when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep?  Ultimately, it means that your diet and exercise play a key role in the value of the sleep you get. If you are pre-diabetic, getting regular exercise and eating healthy can prevent diabetes as a whole and make it easier for you to sleep at night. You will also not be as fatigued during the day and can avoid the unhelpful and unnecessary naps.

For diabetics, regular exercise and diet can help keep your glucose levels within a normal range and may also help prevent the typical culprits that wake you up at night: frequent urination, restless legs, nervousness and overheating.

Diabetes Management in Wellington

If you are concerned about how your sleep is affecting your diabetes or your risk for diabetes, board-certified internal medicine specialist Dr. Ishan can help. He will assess your situation and offer lifestyle and dietary recommendations to help control your diabetes or reduce your risk. To make an appointment with our diabetes specialist in Wellington or Royal Palm Beach, request an appointment online or call (561) 434-1935 today.