Obstructive Sleep Apnea as a Risk Factor for Type II Diabetes

Sleep apnea is thought to be more common in obese patients, particularly those who suffer from conditions such as diabetes. Medical literature has clearly established that treating diabetic patients who suffer from sleep apnea for their sleep disorder significantly improves diabetes control. This article actually proves that sleep apnea plays a causative role in the development of diabetes. In addition, treatment of sleep apnea prevents the onset of type 2 diabetes. Empowered with this knowledge in an integrated model, payers, providers and employers would be able to both improve the lives of diabetic patients and prevent diabetes in their at-risk populations with obvious value.