Younger diabetics may struggle with sleep-related problems
Parents of children with type 1 diabetes can save money on medical bills by purchasing insulin or other medications through a Canadian pharmacy.
Parents of children with type 1 diabetes can save money on medical bills by purchasing insulin or other medications through a Canadian pharmacy. Such treatments are necessary to help delay the onset of health complications related to diabetes, such as heart problems and kidney disease. New research suggests that young people with diabetes may also have trouble sleeping, which could negatively impact glucose control and school behavior.
A team of scientists conducted a study on 50 individuals, aged 10 to 16 years, who were living with type 1 diabetes. Compared to healthy controls, these subjects spent more time in a lighter stage of sleep and, consequently, had a harder time with both school and glucose control, as published in the journal Sleep.
Further results showed that almost one-third of diabetic subjects had sleep apnea, regardless of weight.
"Sleep problems were associated with lower grades, poorer performance on state standardized tests, poor quality of life and abnormalities in daytime behavior," said researcher Michelle Perfect, PhD. "On the upside, sleep is a potentially modifiable health behavior, so these kids could be helped by a qualified professional to get a better night's sleep."
Between 2002 and 2005, the rate of new diagnoses for type 1 diabetes among children aged 10 years or older was 18.6 per 100,000 individuals annually, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
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