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A poor night's sleep may lead to unhealthy insulin test results for diabetics

Category: Diabetes

Diabetics who experience difficulties sleeping may be more likely to receive unhealthy insulin test results, according to a new study from a team of University of Chicago researchers.

Their investigation showed that diabetics who are restless sleepers or experience insomnia are, on average, 82 percent more insulin resistant than those who sleep well at night. Furthermore, poor sleepers tend to have 23 percent higher blood sugar levels and 48 percent more insulin in their system.

The findings could have major implications for diabetics, as the researchers said that uncontrolled blood sugar levels often lead to health complications, such as nerve pain, kidney damage, loss of eye sight and cardiovascular disease, and have been shown to impair individuals' quality of life.

For the study, the researchers took blood samples from a group of 40 diabetics to measure blood sugar and insulin levels and analyzed their sleep patterns for six nights. The scientists said that their findings show a need to improve sleep among diabetics.

"Anything that we can do to help people improve their ability to control their glucose will help their lives in the long run," said Kristen Knutson, who led the investigation.