Abstract
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes continues to grow globally, and more strategies are needed to combat this public health problem. Considering the link between sleep problems and risk of type 2 diabetes, the objective of this review is to discuss the experimental and epidemiological evidence underlying the link between sleep disturbances (such as insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, and obstructive sleep apnea), and the development of insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, which are impairments that can eventually result in type 2 diabetes. In order to explore this, PubMed and Google Scholar were utilized to find pertinent peer-reviewed publications, reviews, and clinical studies that have been published in the last four decades. Findings from this literature review suggest an existing relationship between sleep disorders and risk for type 2 diabetes. Potential mechanisms underlying the relationship between sleep disorders and risk for type 2 diabetes include: intermittent hypoxia-induced sympathetic nervous system activation, reactive oxygen species generation, induction of a whole-body pro-inflammatory state, enhanced lipolysis and modified adipokine release in adipose tissue, misalignment between central and peripheral pacemakers, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation with elevated circulating cortisol levels. The results demonstrate that more thorough evaluation of the roles that sleep, insomnia, and circadian rhythm disturbances play in the treatment of type 2 diabetes is desperately needed.
Recommended Citation
Parma, Victoria S.
(2025)
"Metabolic Consequences of Sleep Disorders: A Comprehensive Analysis of their Role in Diabetes,"
Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science: Vol. 23:
Iss.
1, Article 4.
Available at:
https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/jscas/vol23/iss1/4