Sleep apnea can cause many health problems - stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure. Sleep apnea can also cause the symptoms of clinical depression. Once the sleep apnea is treated and under control, most of the depression symptoms disappear.
People with diabetes are twice as likely to suffer from depression as non-diabetics. Research suggests that depression often helps trigger the diabetes.
Yet another study reveals that adults with obstructive sleep apnea are three times more likely to also have diabetes. The study suggests that anyone going to a doctor for a sleep apnea exam should also request he or she be screened for diabetes.
Why are these three disorders so often seen together? The answer is simple - excess weight gain. Depression often causes a propensity to overeat, plus there is sometimes little energy or desire to get out and exercise. The result? Added and unwanted pounds.
Excess weight is a very common factor in people with sleep apnea. Once you become an apnea victim, even more weight piles on. Not only is the ability or desire to exercise even more decreased, sleep apnea seems to cause changes in the body that lead to weight gain.
Overeating and a lack of exercise are prime factors in the development of diabetes. Diabetes again leads back to depression and the same vicious circle.
Obesity is, according to Diabetes News, second only to smoking as the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. Unfortunately, those who are overweight don't believe that the weight causes a serious threat to their health. Many of them won't even admit that they are seriously overweight.
This self-imposed blindness adds to the risk. Obesity, as I have mentioned, is a large factor in sleep apnea, diabetes and depression. It can also lead to high blood pressure, high or abnormal cholesterol levels, heart disease and stroke. It is even thought that obesity can cause certain types of cancer.
Why take chances? Instead, make plans to control your weight instead of letting it control you. Check out some diets and weight loss clinics. You'll find some excellent choices on the About Weight Loss Site. When trying to lose weight, exercise is also important. You can find exercises for all ages and levels of fitness on the About Exercise Site.
