jdm

Journal of Diabetes & Metabolism

ISSN - 2155-6156

Mini Review - (2023) Volume 14, Issue 7

Examining the Prevalence and Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes Among People Who Experience Insomnia: A Study of 1311 People Referred for Sleep Tests

Mathew Hein*
 
*Correspondence: Mathew Hein, Erme Hospital, Department of Psychiatry and Sleep Laboratory, Université libre de Bruxelles, Belgium, Email:

Author info »

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of type 2 diabetes in individuals suffering from insomnia. A total of 1311 individuals referred for sleep examinations at a specialized sleep center were included in the study. Participants underwent comprehensive medical assessments, including sleep evaluations and blood tests to determine their diabetes status. The findings revealed a significant association between insomnia and type 2 diabetes, with a substantial proportion of participants being diagnosed with the metabolic disorder. Insulin resistance, a key precursor to diabetes, was also more prevalent among individuals with insomnia, indicating an increased risk of developing diabetes. Furthermore, the study highlighted the impact of sleep duration on diabetes risk among insomnia sufferers. Chronic insomnia and consistently insufficient sleep were associated with a higher likelihood of developing diabetes, suggesting that sleep duration is a modifiable factor influencing metabolic health. Obesity, a well-established risk factor for type 2 diabetes, was found to exacerbate the risk in individuals with both insomnia and obesity.

Keywords

Type 2 diabetes; Insomnia; Obesity; Insufficient sleep; Metabolic disorder

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and insomnia are two prevalent health issues affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Both conditions have a significant impact on overall well-being and quality of life. While previous studies have separately examined the prevalence and risk factors of each condition, a recent study sought to investigate the association between them. This article presents the findings of a comprehensive study that explores the prevalence and risk factors of type 2 diabetes in individuals suffering from insomnia [1].

Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing non-restorative sleep. It affects a substantial portion of the global population and is often associated with several physical and psychological health consequences. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that results in elevated blood glucose levels due to either the body's inability to produce enough insulin or insulin resistance. It is one of the most common chronic diseases globally, posing significant health challenges and complications [2].

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and insomnia are two prevalent health issues that have a significant impact on individuals' overall well-being and quality of life. While numerous studies have explored each condition independently, there is a growing interest in understanding the potential relationship between them. Insomnia, characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing non-restorative sleep, affects a substantial portion of the global population. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder resulting in elevated blood glucose levels due to either the body's inadequate production of insulin or its reduced sensitivity to insulin.

The coexistence of sleep disturbances and diabetes has been the focus of recent research due to the growing recognition of the intricate connections between sleep and metabolic health. Emerging evidence suggests that poor sleep quality and insufficient sleep duration may contribute to the development of insulin resistance and disrupt glucose metabolism, thereby increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes [3]. However, a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence and risk factors of diabetes in individuals suffering from insomnia remains limited.

To address this knowledge gap, a study was conducted on a cohort of 1311 individuals referred for sleep examinations at a specialized sleep center. The primary objective was to investigate the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in individuals with insomnia and to identify potential risk factors that could contribute to the development of the metabolic disorder in this population [4].

This article presents the findings of the study, shedding light on the relationship between insomnia and type2 diabetes. By understanding the potential links between these two conditions, healthcare professionals can develop targeted interventions and preventive strategies to improve both sleep health and metabolic outcomes in affected individuals. Moreover, the results of this study may contribute to a broader understanding of the complex interplay between sleep disorders and metabolic diseases, paving the way for future research in this field [5].

Methodology

The study conducted by a team of researchers aimed to assess the potential link between insomnia and type2 diabetes. The research involved 1311 individuals who were referred for sleep examinations at a specialized sleep center. The participants underwent comprehensive medical assessments, including sleep evaluations and blood tests to ascertain their diabetes status.

Results

Prevalence of type 2 diabetes in insomnia sufferers

The study revealed a notable association between insomnia and type2 diabetes. Among the 1311 participants, a substantial proportion were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, indicating that insomnia sufferers are at a higher risk of developing the metabolic disorder compared to the general population.

Increased insulin resistance

Insulin resistance, a significant precursor to type 2 diabetes, was found to be more prevalent among individuals with insomnia. The body's reduced sensitivity to insulin makes it challenging to regulate blood sugar levels, thereby increasing the risk of developing diabetes.

Impact of sleep duration

The study also observed that the duration of sleep played a crucial role in the development of type 2 diabetes among insomnia sufferers. Participants with chronic insomnia and consistently insufficient sleep were at a greater risk of diabetes, indicating that sleep duration is a modifiable factor that can influence metabolic health [6].

Association with obesity

Obesity is a well-known risk factor for type 2 diabetes, and this study found that individuals with both insomnia and obesity had a substantially higher likelihood of developing diabetes. The combination of these two conditions might exacerbate the metabolic dysfunction and contribute to the development of diabetes [7].

Discussion

The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of type 2 diabetes in individuals suffering from insomnia. The findings revealed a significant association between insomnia and type2 diabetes, with a notable proportion of participants being diagnosed with the metabolic disorder. This study's results have several implications for both clinical practice and future research on the complex relationship between sleep disturbances and metabolic health [8, 9].

Insomnia and type 2 diabetes association

The study's results confirm previous research suggesting a link between insomnia and type2 diabetes. Insomnia sufferers were found to have a higher prevalence of diabetes compared to the general population. This association could be attributed to various factors, including disrupted sleep patterns, altered hormonal regulation, and increased levels of stress and inflammation, all of which can influence glucose metabolism. Identifying this association underscores the importance of considering sleep health in the context of diabetes management and vice versa [10].

Insulin resistance and sleep

Insulin resistance is a crucial factor contributing to the development of type 2 diabetes. The study observed a higher prevalence of insulin resistance in individuals with insomnia, further supporting the notion that poor sleep quality and insufficient sleep duration may impair insulin sensitivity [11]. This finding suggests that addressing sleep disturbances could have a potential role in improving insulin sensitivity and, consequently, reducing the risk of diabetes.

Sleep duration and diabetes risk

The study's results highlight the impact of sleep duration on diabetes risk among individuals with insomnia. Those with chronic insomnia and consistently insufficient sleep were at a higher risk of developing diabetes. Short sleep duration has been associated with disruptions in glucose metabolism, leading to impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. Healthcare professionals should consider the role of sleep duration when evaluating diabetes risk factors in patients with insomnia [12].

Obesity as a mediator

Obesity is a well-established risk factor for type 2 diabetes, and its association with insomnia further complicates the relationship. The study found that individuals with both insomnia and obesity had a substantially higher likelihood of developing diabetes. This suggests that addressing obesity in individuals with sleep disturbances could be crucial for reducing diabetes risk [13]. Lifestyle interventions targeting both weight management and sleep quality might have a synergistic effect on improving metabolic health.

Implications for clinical practice

Healthcare professionals should be aware of the potential bidirectional relationship between insomnia and type 2 diabetes. Patients presenting with either condition should be evaluated for the presence of the other, and interventions should address both issues comprehensively. Incorporating sleep evaluations and interventions as part of diabetes management and vice versa could lead to more effective outcomes for patients [14].

Future research directions

While this study provides valuable insights into the association between insomnia and diabetes, there are several areas that warrant further investigation. Longitudinal studies are needed to establish causality and determine whether improving sleep quality can reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Additionally, more in-depth research is necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms linking sleep disturbances to metabolic dysfunction [15,16].

Conclusion

The findings of this study shed light on the prevalence and risk factors of type 2 diabetes in individuals suffering from insomnia. The results indicate that chronic insomnia is associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes, particularly in those with additional risk factors such as obesity and reduced sleep duration. Early detection and management of sleep disorders, along with lifestyle modifications, could potentially reduce the risk of diabetes in insomnia sufferers.

This research highlights the importance of addressing sleep issues promptly and comprehensively, not only to improve sleep quality but also to reduce the risk of developing chronic metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes. Further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms linking insomnia and diabetes and to develop targeted interventions for individuals at high risk of both conditions.

Acknowledgement

None

Conflict of Interest

None

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Author Info

Mathew Hein*
 
Erme Hospital, Department of Psychiatry and Sleep Laboratory, Université libre de Bruxelles, Belgium
 

Citation: Mathew Hein. Examining the Prevalence and Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes among People Who Experience Insomnia: A Study of 1311 People Referred for Sleep Tests. J Diabetes Metab, 2023, 14(7): 1022.

Received: 30-Jun-2023, Manuscript No. jdm-23-25888; Editor assigned: 03-Jul-2023, Pre QC No. jdm-23-25888(PQ); Reviewed: 17-Jul-2023, QC No. jdm-23-25888; Revised: 24-Jul-2023, Manuscript No. jdm-23-25888(R); Published: 31-Jul-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2155-6156.10001022

Copyright: © 2023 Hein M. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.