Sleep disturbance in diabetic women can be fatal, says study

(Representational image)

New Delhi: A recent study has associated sleep disturbance with fatality in women with diabetes.

According to the study, disturbed sleep in diabetic women can trigger a peak in blood sugar levels, neuropathic pain and fatigue.

The study, conducted on 90 women with type 2 diabetes, found these life threatening conditions despite controlling factors such as age, diabetes duration, depressive symptoms, and distress.

Senior author at Chicago College of Nursing Dr. Cynthia Fritschi said, "Sleep disturbance in patients with diabetes is common and may negatively affect blood glucose".

The findings suggest that a comprehensive sleep evaluation for diabetes patients should also include tests on symptoms such as neuropathic pain and fatigue.

"A thorough sleep assessment, especially in female adults, must include a symptom assessment. To do otherwise limits our ability to treat sleep disturbance effectively in this population", Dr. Cynthia added.

This study first appeared in the Journal of Advanced Nursing.

(With ANI inputs)