Introduction
Diabetes is a disease caused when the body cannot create or use insulin. Insulin is important to maintain glucose (sugar) levels in the body. People with diabetes have high glucose levels. The two types of diabetes are Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. One experiences Type 1 diabetes when the body cannot produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes means that the body does produce insulin but it is not properly used by the cells.
This study explores the impacts of lifestyle habits on glucose levels to decide whether lifestyle intervention can decrease diabetes-related complications. The lifestyle factors studied included levels of sleep, consumption of fruit and vegetables, and physical activity levels.
Methods
The study included a qualitative analysis of Canadian adults between 18 to 64 years old. The researchers ensured an equal ratio of diabetic participants with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The study did not include shift workers or pregnant women. All participants completed a web-based, self-reported questionnaire that assessed sleep, insomnia, fruit and vegetable consumption, and physical activity. The word “insomnia” refers to a sleep disorder where individuals have a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep. The researchers used validated tools the Sleep Health Index, Pittsburgh Index and Insomnia Severity Index to measure sleep and insomnia. Weight and height data permitted Body Mass Index calculations.
Results
The study had 151 participants, including 54 diabetic participants. Diabetic participants showed higher sleep quality scores, suggesting poor sleep quality. Sleep quality levels worsened for those with Type 2 diabetes. Diabetic participants also had shorter sleep duration for both diabetes types, and experienced moderate to severe clinical insomnia. Insomnia levels worsened for Type 2 diabetes participants. Furthermore, diabetic and non-diabetic patients showed similar fruit and vegetable consumption, and physical activity levels.
Discussion
Sleep habits differed notably for patients with or without patients. Diabetic participants experienced poorer sleep quality, shorter sleep duration, and higher levels of insomnia. Changes in sleep qualities for Type 1 versus Type 2 participants can be attributed to differences in time spent in each sleep stage. Hormones related to each sleeping level also play a role. Nonetheless, the study is limited. This is due to a lack of objective sleep measurements and a standard approach to detecting significant differences.
Conclusion
The study reveals that diabetic individuals experience shorter and poorer sleep quality, alongside clinical insomnia. Improved sleep quality can decrease the risk of complications related to high glucose levels. Individuals with diabetes can benefit strongly from seeking help to improve sleep quality.
References
Vézina-Im, L.-A., Morin, C. M., & Desroches, S. (2021, February 2). Sleep, Diet and Physical Activity Among Adults Living With Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. Canadian Journal of Diabetes. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1499267121000319.
About the Author
Written by Vaisnavi Raveendran
SCIFAA 