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Double Trouble: Why Sleep Apnea and Diabetes Often Go Hand-in-Hand

July 11, 2025

When we think of diabetes and sleep, we often picture disrupted rest from needing to go to the bathroom or feeling wired at night despite being exhausted. But there’s something deeper going on for many people with type 2 diabetes—and it starts with your breathing.

Sleep apnea, especially the common form known as obstructive sleep apnea, is far more than just loud snoring. It’s a serious condition where your airway repeatedly closes during sleep, causing you to stop breathing for seconds at a time. And it’s alarmingly common in people with type 2 diabetes—it’s estimated that up to 80% of them also have obstructive sleep apnea.1

Why the connection? It turns out that poor sleep quality and unstable oxygen levels throughout the night can wreak havoc on how your body processes glucose.2 Whenever your sleep apnea causes periods of hypoxia (low oxygen), your stress hormones surge, and your body becomes more resistant to insulin.3 Over time, this contributes to high blood sugar levels—even if you’re already managing your diabetes carefully.3

On the flip side, high blood glucose levels can lead to more disrupted sleep. If your sugar levels run high at night, your body tries to flush it out—cue multiple trips to the bathroom.4 Toss in headaches, dehydration, or nighttime hypoglycemia (when your blood sugar drops too low), and it’s no wonder people with diabetes often struggle to get quality rest.2

Insomnia, too, plays a role. Trouble falling asleep, waking frequently, or feeling unrefreshed can stem from elevated blood glucose, medication side effects, or stress related to living with a chronic condition.2 And just like sleep apnea, poor sleep from insomnia can cause insulin resistance to creep in.

Unfortunately, many people simply brush off these symptoms. They chalk it up to ageing, stress, or just being “a bad sleeper.” But if you live with type 2 diabetes and often wake up feeling tired, snore loudly, or notice mood changes and brain fog during the day, it’s worth digging deeper.

Thankfully, sleep apnea can be diagnosed through a simple, non-invasive sleep study—often done at home. And if diagnosed, effective treatment is available in the form of a CPAP machine (which gently keeps your airway open as you sleep).

If you’re managing type 2 diabetes and suspect your sleep isn’t what it should be, don’t ignore the signs. A good night’s sleep isn’t just about feeling rested—it could be key to better blood sugar, fewer complications, and a healthier future. Speak with your doctor about your sleep concerns and ask whether a sleep study could help. Your body—and your blood sugar—will thank you.

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.

Citations

  1. Morrison, Hayden Byrd, et al. “Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Type 2 Diabetes: A Screening Approach.” The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, vol. 18, no. 5, 24 Mar. 2022, pp. 580–582, doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2022.02.020.
  2. Pacheco, Danielle. “Diabetes and Sleep: Sleep Disturbances & Coping.” Sleep Foundation, 1 Apr. 2022, sleepfoundation.org.
  3. Song, Sun Ok, et al. “Metabolic Consequences of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Especially Pertaining to Diabetes Mellitus and Insulin Sensitivity.” Diabetes & Metabolism Journal, vol. 43, no. 2, 2019, p. 144, doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2018.0256.
  4. “Can Insomnia and Sleep Apnoea Affect Diabetes? | Diabetes Australia.” Diabetes Australia, 31 May 2021, diabetesaustralia.com.au. Accessed 14 July 2025.