According to the World Health Organization estimates, about 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, and 1.5 million deaths are directly attributed to diabetes each year. Even though diabetes can be treated and its consequences avoided or delayed with diet, physical activity, medication and regular screening and treatment for complications, the number of cases and the prevalence of diabetes have been steadily increasing over the past few decades. To bring awareness to this growing global concern, World Diabetes Day is observed around the globe on November 14 every year.

Clinical research has shown that a significant number of diabetic patients suffered from sleep disorders. “Sleep apnoea is characterised by frequent episodes of involuntary pause in breathing during sleep. Studies found that moderate to severe sleep apnoea increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 30 to 50 per cent. If left untreated, sleep apnoea may increase fasting glucose and average blood glucose levels. In diabetic individuals sleep apnoea exacerbates diabetes-related complications and worsens overall health outcomes,” explains Dr. Praveen Kumar B.S, consultant of pulmonology, at Manipal Hospital.