In a nutshell
This study examined the relationship between blood sugar levels, sleep and artery thickness in type 2 diabetics.
Some background
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a thickening of the wall of the arteries located in the heart. This thickening is due to a build-up of plaque, a fatty substance that attaches to the walls of the arteries. This can lead to a reduction in the blood supply to the heart and, ultimately, a heart attack. A reduction in the quality and quantity of sleep can increase the risk of CHD. Poor control of blood glucose (sugar) levels is associated with increased artery thickness and also has a negative impact on sleep. It is believed that poor control of blood glucose levels can cause sleep disorders which, in turn, increases the thickness of arteries.
Methods & findings
This study aimed to determine the association between control of blood glucose levels and the length and quality of sleep. This study also aimed to determine the association between sleep disturbances and artery thickness. This study involved 63 patients with type 2 diabetes (51% male and 49% female). The quality and quantity of sleep was measured in all patients, as was the degree of artery thickness.
A higher HbA1c (average blood glucose levels over previous three months) was associated with a shorter time between sleep onset and the beginning of a deep sleep. This reduction in time between sleep onset and deep sleep onset was associated with increased artery thickness.
The bottom line
This study concluded that poor control of blood glucose levels is associated with poorer quality sleep and this may increase artery thickness.
The fine print
This study only showed an association between sleep disturbances and arterial thickness; it is still not known whether sleep disturbances can cause arterial thickness. Additional factors such as depression which are known to be associated with sleep disturbances were not accounted for in these patients.
What’s next?
Consult your physician regarding the measures which can be taken to improve control of blood glucose levels.
Published By :
PLOS ONE
Date :
Apr 14, 2015
