Issue 30.14
Poor sleep could result in diabetes. That’s the conclusion of researchers in the June 6, 2014 online edition of “The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.” Their study concluded there appears to be a confirmed link between sleep apnea and the risk of developing diabetes.
The study notes the risk of developing diabetes increases by over 30 percent with the occurrence of severe obstructive sleep apnea. Nearly 12 percent of the 8,678 study group members developed diabetes during the 67 months of follow-up.
“This study is significant because I believe it represents the first time any research has shown a direct correlation between sleep apnea and diabetes. Of course, sleep apnea has already been linked to heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and even depression,” said Dr. Shad Morris, DMD, a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, the only certified diplomat of the American Academy of Sleep and Breathing in Southern Utah, and CEO of Premier Sleep Solutions LLC. [Morris was not involved in the study.] “Simply stated, the research findings indicate that if we can treat sleep apnea in its early stages, we may be able to help many people avoid diabetes,” he added.
Morris and his company specialize in treating patients suffering from sleep apnea by fitting them with custom-made oral appliances. These appliances, which are similar to bleach trays in appearance, can often be used in place of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines. “While CPAP machines have been used for years, recent research has shown that in many cases, custom-made oral appliances can be as effective as CPAP in treating sleep apnea. Plus, in my experience, a substantial percentage of patients find CPAP machines to be so cumbersome that they eventually refuse to use them regularly, and as a result, their overall health suffers,” Morris said.
Most insurance companies now cover oral appliance therapy and the oral appliances. Morris noted that Medicare is leading the way relative to standard of care within the industry.
For more information about oral appliances or to schedule a patient consultation, please contact Premier Sleep Solutions in St. George at (435) 319-0478 or visit the company’s website at www.premiersleepsolutions.com. Premier Sleep Solutions has offices in St. George and Salt Lake City, Utah, San Antonio, Texas, and Newport Beach, California. The St. George office is located at 75 South 100 East, #1E, St. George, UT 84770.
Dr. Shad Morris, DMD, a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, the only certified diplomat of the American Academy of Sleep and Breathing in Southern Utah, and CEO of Premier Sleep Solutions LLC.