Untreated sleep problems lead to obesity, increased diabetes risk
Picture for representational purpose
Hyderabad: Sleep pattern studies have shown a co-relation between lack of sleep or less than six hours of sleep and diabetes, said endocrinologists on the World Diabetes Day, which is observed on November 14.The increasing cases of sleep apnea or disturbed sleep shows that there is a group of population which is at risk.The changed work culture, along with major changes in lifestyle, has given rise to this risk group which requires to be monitored.
Dr K.D. Modi, endocrinologist at Medwin Hospitals said, “Patients suffering from lack of sleep or less sleep experience fluctuating blood sugar levels. This is also one of the causes for diabetes. Earlier, there was little or no awareness about the relationship between sleep disorders and diabetes, but there is increasing evidence now coming forward in clinics. Medical history of diabetic patients will show a sleep disorder at some stage and rough estimates state that 70 per cent of them have had these problems.”
Dr Sridevi Paladugu, consultant endocrinologist at Apollo Hospitals said, “Studies are showing that untreated sleep problems lead to obesity and increase the risk of developing diabetes. The cases seen in obese individuals with diabetes have shown that when treated for sleep apnea, there has been good control over diabetes.”A case in point is that of Akil Antelawala, an NRI patient who constantly complained of lack of sleep. Dr Praveen Kumar C. said, “After a thorough analysis, it was decided to study his sleep pattern. It was then found that he had stopped certain medications for diabetes which were the cause for his lack of sleep.”
With multiple factors emerging in clinics, a good night’s sleep is thus coming across as another factor for diabetes control and management of the disease.
Eye check-ups are must for diabetics
Twenty per cent of diabetic patients suffer from ‘diabetic retinopathy’, a condition that goes mostly unnoticed by patients.The blurring of vision on the sides, or the periphery, is diabetic retinopathy. The development of retinopathy depends on the age when diabetes is diagnosed, duration of diabetes, insulin dependency, level of metabolic control, blood pressure, pregnancy, renal disease and smoking.
Dr Padmaja Kumari Rani, consultant at L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, said, “The problem with diabetic retinopathy is that both eyes are affected together. It is minimally noticed in the beginning, and many patients don’t even realise that they are not able to see on the sides.”
It is therefore very important for those who suffer from diabetes to get a proper eye check-up done every year. R. Govind Hari, zonal representative (South) of Vision 2020 - The Right to Sight India and chairman of Pushpagiri Eye Institute said, “Blurred vision, floater and sudden loss of vision are indications that the eye requires attention and a visit to an ophthalmologist is a must
Exercise, better diet are needed
The International Diabetes Federation estimates that there are 65 million adults with diabetes, and 77 million are in the pre-diabetic stage. The number will be terrifyingly high in 2035, with an estimated 109 million suffering from the disease. Almost 15 per cent of those below 40 years of age are diabetic, making it an epidemic in India. Total deaths from diabetes are projected to rise by more than 50 per cent in the next 10 years.
For this reason, experts state that it is very important to change our lifestyle and also make exercise a part of our daily regime. Increasing risk factors like obesity, sedentary lifestyle, stress and increased amount of consumption of foods without keeping age in mind has put a lot of people in the high-risk group.
Dr Lakshmi Lavanya Alapati, endocrinologist at Global Hospitals said, “Food discipline along with food knowledge is very important. The best change can be brought about by understanding the risk factors and then working towards controlling them. But most people are very reluctant to follow the changes. It is a persistent and life-long struggle against diabetes and those who have controlled it have lived their life well.”Choosing a smaller plate while eating, smaller portions and dividing the three big meals into six small ones can help.
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