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Diabetes 'Epidemic' Is Grossly Over Rated. (Apnoea Gets Ignored!)

Fri, May 06, 2011

Diabetes Is NOT The Problem.  SLEEP APNOEA Is!! 

We are constantly being told about the ‘diabetes epidemic’ and how diabetes is the single most serious health problem for the developed world.  As a result, huge public and private investments are being made in prevention, treatment and hopefully cure.

But here’s a question:  How come the same investments aren’t being made in dealing with sleep apnoea?

After all, diabetes affects only around 2.8% of the population … whereas even the most conservative estimates find sleep apnoea is affecting almost 5% of the population.  (We believe the true prevalence of apnoea is actually much higher.) 

Given that sleep apnoea is a proven CAUSE of diabetes, you’d think apnoea would get serious attention as a possible part of the solution. 

By rights, it could be argued that the treatment of sleep apnoea should get more attention and funding than type 2 diabetes ... because of the clear links between it and other serious consequences and co-morbidities, including hypertension, gastro oesophageal reflux disease, cardiovascular disease, depression, loss of libido and erectile dysfunction.  Factor in the further issues of quality of life and safety and it becomes obvious that sleep apnoea truly is a major health issue.  

What do YOU think?  Sleep apnoea or diabetes?  Which should our medical institutions and researchers be focusing on?  Please leave a comment.