Lack of Sleep

Sleep is a critical component for body and mind.  But as life becomes hectic at times, sleep can be difficult.  Evidence suggests that poor sleep can negatively affect multiple systems of the body including blood sugar levels.  For the individuals diagnosed with diabetes, sleep can be troublesome.  As sleep deprivation increases over time blood sugar levels increase as well.  Higher blood sugar levels affect sleep patterns by having less longer-lasting fat metabolism at night.  When blood sugar levels are too high, the kidneys work overtime to expel it from the body through urination.  This causes frequent trips to the bathroom at night leading to an interrupted sleep pattern.  The Alaska Sleep Education Center reports that individuals who sleep less than six hours a night compared to those that sleep eight hours experience more blood sugar complications.  Along with causing high blood sugar levels, the body’s reaction to sleep deprivation can mimic insulin resistance, a risk factor of developing diabetes.


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