Often overlooked, the relationship between sleep apnea and diabetes is a critical area of concern in the world of health care. Pioneers like Dr. Kelley Mingus are rising to the occasion, offering innovative treatments that may have far-reaching implications for those living with these conditions.
The Clandestine Connection
The connection between sleep apnea and diabetes might not be apparent. However, it’s a pattern that medical professionals like Dr. Mingus have observed in their patients. That’s because both conditions are intricately connected to our metabolic systems.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a medical condition characterized by intermittent disruptions in breathing during sleep. This can lead to a myriad of health issues such as chronic fatigue, hypertension, and heart disease. But its hidden link with diabetes is possibly one of the most significant and lesser-known impacts.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body either does not produce enough insulin or the cells in the body do not react to insulin as they should. This can cause chronic high blood sugar levels, which can lead to serious complications, including nerve damage and heart disease.
The Critical Intersection of Sleep Apnea and Diabetes
While sleep apnea and diabetes may seem like distinct concerns, they’re often inextricably connected. This is especially true considering the role of sleep in the body’s regulation of glucose.
Poor Sleep Quality and Insulin Resistance
When a person suffers from sleep apnea, their sleep quality is affected. This not only leads to daytime fatigue, but can also result in insulin resistance, a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. When your body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin, your blood sugar rises, leading to long-term damage to your body’s systems if left unchecked.
The Vicious Cycle
People with sleep apnea are significantly more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Conversely, those with diabetes have an increased chance of developing sleep apnea. This sets up a dangerous cycle of deteriorating health that can be hard to break without the right interventions.
Breaking the Cycle: Innovative Solutions
Changing this narrative demands an innovative approach, like the one Dr. Mingus uses in his practice. His work leverages the power of dentistry to mitigate the effects of sleep apnea, and thus diabetes.
Conventional Treatment Methods: CPAP Devices
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices have long been the go-to form of treatment for sleep apnea. However, these devices can be bulky and uncomfortable, leading to poor patient compliance.
Dr. Kelley Mingus’ Approach: Facial Growth Treatment and Orthotic Devices
Dr. Mingus offers an effective solution to these challenges in the form of facial growth treatments and custom orthotic devices. These innovative treatments target the root cause of sleep apnea: obstructions in the airway caused by misalignment in the jaw. By encouraging natural development and favorable positioning of the jaw, these treatments can help not only to alleviate sleep apnea, but also help control blood sugar levels and manage diabetes more effectively.
In conclusion, Dr. Mingus’ work may well be a game-changer for patients suffering from both sleep apnea and diabetes. With this approach, patients can hope to manage these conditions more naturally, leading to better overall health outcomes.
Ready to learn more? Book an appointment with Dr. Mingus and his team in Bend, Oregon, today.