Sleep quality is a key factor in blood sugar regulation, particularly in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes (T2DM).
A series of studies have shown that disturbed sleep - characterized by poor quality, irregular bedtimes or inadequate durations (too short or too long) - is strongly associated with poor glycemic control. These disorders lead to an increase in postprandial glycemic response, especially after breakfast, and have a negative impact on HbA1c levels, an essential marker for assessing diabetes management.
In T2DM patients, certain aggravating factors have been identified, including female gender, poor sleep quality and the presence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
These factors increase the risk of glycemic imbalance and make it even more important to adopt healthy sleep habits.
A regular bedtime schedule and appropriate sleep duration are essential levers for maintaining blood glucose levels within the normal range.
At the same time, systematic assessment of diabetic patients for OSA can help improve their overall metabolic health.
To further understand the link between sleep and glycemic regulation, the researchers recommend the use of objective tools capable of accurately measuring sleep quality.
Among these, Actigraphy stands out as a practical, non-invasive method: a small device worn on the wrist, similar to a watch, records movements during sleep over several days. This makes it possible to assess sleep duration, efficiency and cycles, providing an overview of a person's resting habits.
Polysomnography, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive examination, carried out in the laboratory or at home. It measures a range of physiological parameters, such as brain activity (electroencephalogram), respiration, heart rate and muscle movements, over an entire night.
This tool is particularly valuable for diagnosing complex disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea. These technologies provide an in-depth understanding of the interactions between sleep disorders and metabolic health.
They also pave the way for personalized, non-pharmacological interventions to help pre-diabetic or type 2 diabetic patients better manage their blood sugar levels by improving their sleep. These approaches represent a promising strategy for limiting diabetes-related complications while promoting a better quality of life.
Learn more about Pep2Dia to maintain a healthy glycemia!
Sources:
Glycemic control and its association with sleep quality and duration among type 2 diabetic patients
Yadelew Yimer Shibabaw, Tadesse Asmamaw Dejenie, Kibur Hunie Tesfa
doi.org/10.1016/j.metop.2023.100246
Impact of insufficient sleep on dysregulated blood glucose control under standardised meal conditions.
Tsereteli N, et al. Diabetologia. 2022.
PMID: 34845532