Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

Pregnancy, Sleep Apnea and Diabetes - A Common Theme

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Pregnancy comes with it's share of challenges, including sleep disorders and gestational diabetes. New research shows that pregnant women with obstructive sleep apnea were much more likely to develop gestational diabetes than those without a sleep breathing disorder.

The article, published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, looked at a small group of pregnant women. Some of the women had gestational diabetes, some did not, and a control group of 15 non-pregnant, non-diabetic women. The researchers found that, no surprise, pregnant women had more sleep disturbances than non-pregnant women.

But the researchers also found that obstructive sleep apnea was more prevalent in the pregnant women with gestational diabetes than those pregnant women without diabetes, 73% to 27%. Because obesity is a large risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea the researchers adjusted for this variable and they were able to accurately predict which pregnant women would probably develop gestational diabetes based on their obstructive sleep apnea.

A healthy pregnancy is important for healthy babies (and moms). If you are thinking of becoming pregnant or if you are pregnant and overweight you should be checked for obstructive sleep apnea. Please contact us at 561-394-9000 today. Healthy teeth and gums and healthy sleep are all essential for a healthy pregnancy!

Labels: obstructive sleep apnea