by B. Leslie Baird

Created on: November 17, 2009   Last Updated: November 27, 2009

Diabetes is becoming increasingly more of a problem in the U.S. as well as many other countries. More and more people are being diagnosed with the condition, be it type 1 or type 2. Diabetes is also the subject of much research in a quest to find answers. The American Diabetes Association is one of the largest groups involved in diabetes research and in providing the public with information on diabetes.

Type 1:

Type 1 diabetes is most often diagnosed in children and young adults. It has also been called juvenile diabetes. Type 1 presents as the bodies inability to produce the insulin hormone. Insulin therapy is used in the treatment of this form and with treatment, type 1 diabetes can be managed well. Type 1 is only found in approximately 5 to 10 percent of individuals with diabetes.

Type 2:

Type 2 diabetes is the more common form of this disease. It is diagnosed more in the older population and some ethic or racial backgrounds are more prone to having it. Many people are unaware of their risks in developing this form of diabetes. In type 2, the body does not produce enough of the insulin hormone or is not capable of using properly.

Sleep factors involved in diabetes:

Many studies have been done, and many are still underway, on the links to sleep patterns and the incidence of diabetes. Besides a lack of exercise it has been found that a lack of sleep can increase the risks of developing diabetes. The University of Chicago did a study on otherwise healthy adults. All of the subjects were slightly overweight and not involved in much exercise. Their food intake, exercise, sleep and blood chemistry were all closely monitored. Over a twenty eight day period the subjects were allowed 8 and one half hours sleep for two weeks and then only 5 and one half hours sleep for the next two weeks. The research did find that all subjects in the study gained about four pounds each. The significant difference was their body's ability in controlling their blood sugar levels. With less sleep, it was found that the test subjects all had higher levels of blood sugar. The research also found that the subjects were less sensitive to insulin in controlling these sugar levels.

Similar findings have come from studies run over ten year period by the Columbia University in New York. While a healthy diet and exercise program is extremely important in the prevention or control of diabetes, sleep is also indicated a factor. Researchers are still involved in trying to determine all of the links in their studies. Lack of sleep can also be an indicator of stress, or stress can cause a lack of sleep. Stress in itself can cause hormonal issues. While definitive answers are still in the works, getting a good night's sleep should be an easy step to take in the prevention or control of diabetes.

References:

http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/type-1/

http://diabetes.webmd.com/news/20090812/sleep-less-g et-diabetes

http://www.health.com/health/condition-article/0,201 88092_2,00.html

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