Young diabetics who struggle to get a good night’s sleep are more likely to find it harder maintaining control of their blood sugar, according to the findings of a new study.
Researchers at the Univeristy of Arizona tracked the sleep health of 50 Type 1 diabetics, aged 10 to 16, and compared the data with a similar control group.
They found that the young diabetics spent more time in a lighter stage of sleep than those without diabetes, which was related to poorer school performance and higher blood sugar levels .
The findings also showed that nearly a third of the young diabetics had sleep apnea - abnormal pauses in breathing - regardless of weight.
"Despite adhering to recommendations for good diabetic health, many youth with Type 1 diabetes have difficulty maintaining control of their blood sugars", Michelle Perfect, principal investigator of the study, said.
"Sleep problems were associated with lower grades, poorer performance on state standardized tests, poor quality of life and abnormalities in daytime behaviour."
"On the upside, sleep is a potentially modifiable health behaviour, so these kids could be helped by a qualified professional to get a better night's sleep," she added.
The study is published in the January issue of the journal Sleep.
Sleep Problems Linked To Poor Sugar Control In Young Diabetics
Tue, 03 Jan 2012
Recommended links
Diabetes IndiaTypes and causes of diabetes mellitus
Symptoms of diabetes
Complications for diabetics
Treatment and medication for diabetes
Diabetes food and diet tips
Diabetes management tools
Breastfeeding Linked To Lower Diabetes Risk In Kids
New Type 1 Diabetes Treatment Uncovered
Night Shifts Increases Diabetes Risk for Women
Diabetes and Obesity Ups Breast Cancer Risk In Older Women
Low Vitamin D In Kids Tied To Diabetes Risk
90m People In China Suffering With Diabetes
Blood sugar levels
Type 1 diabetes causes
Type 2 diabetes causes
