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Top 5 Tips to Tackle Sleep Apnea and Diabetes Together

July 16, 2025

Top 5 Tips to Tackle Sleep Apnea and Diabetes Together

Living with either sleep apnea or diabetes can be challenging—but when the two occur together, things can get even more complex. The good news? With the right approach, you can manage both conditions and feel like yourself again.

Here are five practical, effective tips to help you take control of your health:

1. Treat Your Sleep Apnea Consistently
If you’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, treating it consistently is a game-changer. This often involves CPAP therapy—a bedside device that gently blows air through a mask to keep your airway open, eliminating symptoms.1 Untreated sleep apnea can worsen blood sugar control.2 Even if it takes time to get used to, sticking with your CPAP therapy is one of the best things you can do.

2. Monitor Blood Glucose—Especially After Poor Sleep
A rough night’s sleep doesn’t just leave you feeling flat—it can spike cortisol and increase blood sugar levels the next day.3 If you have diabetes, it’s worth keeping a closer eye on your glucose readings after a night of disrupted sleep.4 This can help you make more informed choices around food, physical activity, and medication.

3. Eat to Support Both Conditions
Diet plays a massive role in managing both sleep apnea and diabetes. Focus on low-GI, high-fibre foods to help stabilise blood sugar and support a healthy weight.4 Carrying excess weight—especially around the neck or tummy—can worsen sleep apnea and insulin resistance.5,6 Aim for plenty of vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats, and try to avoid big or heavy meals close to bedtime to support better sleep.4

4. Get Moving—Even in Small Doses
Exercise is powerful medicine. It helps regulate blood sugar, supports weight management, boosts mood, and improves sleep quality.4,7 You don’t need to go all-out at the gym—even a brisk 30-minute walk, a few yoga stretches, or dancing around the house can make a difference. The goal is to move regularly and enjoy it.

5. Talk to a Healthcare Professional Who Gets It
Managing both diabetes and sleep apnea can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Find a GP or specialist who understands how the two conditions interact.4 You might also benefit from seeing a sleep physician, endocrinologist, or diabetes educator. Coordinated care can make managing your health much more straightforward—and far more effective.

Final Thought:
If you’re snoring loudly, feeling exhausted despite a full night’s sleep, or struggling to manage your blood sugar, don’t ignore the signs. It could be sleep apnea interfering with your diabetes control. Speak with your doctor about getting assessed and building a plan that supports both your sleep and metabolic health. Restful sleep and balanced blood sugar could be closer than you think.

How Sove CPAP Clinic Can Help

Founded in 2008, Sove CPAP Clinic has grown to become a leading provider of respiratory and sleep services and products in Australia, with over 60 clinics nationwide. Our comprehensive clinical team includes Respiratory & Sleep Specialists, Sleep Technologists, and CPAP Consultants, ensuring that you receive comprehensive and personalised care. All medical procedures, including sleep studies and lung function testing, are bulk billed to all Australians, with minimal wait time.

If you would like to speak to a Respiratory & Sleep Physician, book a bulk-billed sleep study, or seek advice for your sleep apnea, you can reach us at 1300 76 29 39 or info@thecpapclinic.com.au.

ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatment. When considering whether a sleep study or CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor. Medicare criteria and T&Cs apply.

References

  1. UCHealth. “Overnight Cure for Poor Sleep: The Benefits of CPAP.” UCHealth Today, 2 June 2020, www.uchealth.org/today/benefits-of-cpap-for-sleep-apnea.
  2. Byun, Jung-Ick, et al. “Dynamic Changes in Nocturnal Blood Glucose Levels Are Associated with Sleep-Related Features in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.” Scientific Reports, vol. 10, 21 Oct. 2020, p. 17877, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7578637/, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-74908-x.
  3. Pacheco, Danielle. “Sleep & Glucose: How Blood Sugar Can Affect Rest.” Sleep Foundation, 4 Dec. 2020, www.sleepfoundation.org/physical-health/sleep-and-blood-glucose-levels.
  4. “Managing Diabetes and Sleep Apnea Together.” Pittsburgh Dental Sleep Medicine, 2024, www.pittsburghdentalsleepmedicine.com/managing-diabetes-and-sleep-apnea. Accessed 16 July 2025.
  5. Wiseman, Jill. “How Weight Affects Sleep Apnea.” Sleep Foundation, 28 Aug. 2020, www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-apnea/weight-loss-and-sleep-apnea.
  6. NDSS. “Weight Management – NDSS.” www.ndss.com.au, 2023, www.ndss.com.au/living-with-diabetes/health-management/nutrition/weight-management/.
  7. American Diabetes Association. “Blood Glucose & Exercise.” Diabetes.org, American Diabetes Association, 2024, diabetes.org/health-wellness/fitness/blood-glucose-and-exercise.