Many people all over the world suffer from both Sleep Apnea and Type 2 Diabetes. To be specific, it’s estimated that 22 million Americans are diagnosed with sleep apnea and 100 million suffer from diabetes. These two conditions are very often diagnosed together, creating numerous health complications. Research shows that those with severe OSA are 30% more at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes than those without. Unfortunately, OSA is often gone undiagnosed, making those left untreated more at risk for other potential health problems. This is why at Maestro Dental Wellness we practice dentistry with this oral-systemic link in mind.


So, what is the connection?

There is a clear relationship between sleep apnea and diabetes. With sleep apnea, you go through a complete cessation of breathing for more than 10 seconds at a time. During these episodes, your body struggles to survive with the lack of oxygen available. This causes your brain to do what is necessary to oxygenate and usually wakes you up abruptly to re-establish the very necessary flow of oxygen. The lack of oxygen and awakenings that occur have the ability to cause daytime sleepiness, headache, heart disease, arterial disease, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, GERD, automobile accidents, train crashes and in extreme cases, death.

The poor quality sleep you get from untreated sleep apnea leads to a condition known as insulin resistance which causes blood sugar levels to raise. When this happens, elevated blood sugar levels can interfere with attaining good quality sleep in addition to issue and organ damage. Clearly, OSA and diabetes together create a vicious cycle of poor health.

Even though both these diagnoses seem worrisome, there are excellent treatment options that can help you to manage these conditions over your lifetime.

The most important step in treatment is getting a proper diagnosis. Since many cases often go undiagnosed, not knowing puts you at higher risk for health problems in the future. If you or anyone you know experiences symptoms such as excessive daytime tiredness, snoring, gasping for air while sleeping, jaw joint discomfort, gastric reflux, cardiovascular disease, atrial fibrillation or diabetes, you may be suffering from OSA. If so, consider scheduling a complimentary consultation with Dr. Maestro to discuss your concerns about sleep and breathing while sleeping. Let us help you get started on breathing well, sleeping well, and being well!

CariFree Products Available at our Office

Maestro Dental Wellness has been an expert in both restorative and aesthetic dentistry for over 40 years in the Capital Region. To maintain proper dental health, there are a number of best practices and products that Maestro Dental Wellness can recommend, one of which is CariFree products, which we have been recommending to our patients […]

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Dr. Maestro explains his patient their treatment in the Maestro Dental Wellness practice in Albany, NY

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What is fluoride? Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that is used in dentistry to help prevent cavities. More specifically, fluoride is a chemical ion of the element fluorine and is found naturally in water, foods, soil, and several minerals. Both children and adults can benefit from fluoride use. Fluoride is especially helpful for those […]

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Dentist with patient in professional dentistry practice in Albany, NY

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New Patients

We believe that our role is to act as your advocate in attaining the level of optimum oral and general health that is most appropriate for you. Your journey to the level of oral health that best serves you begins with our getting to know you and truly understanding your concerns.

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