Poor sleep can lead to insulin resistance, where the body's cells do not respond well to insulin, causing higher blood sugar levels.
Hormonal Imbalance
Lack of sleep affects hormones that control hunger and satiety, such as ghrelin and leptin, leading to increased appetite and potentially poor dietary choices.
Increased Stress Levels
Insufficient sleep can elevate stress hormones like cortisol, which can raise blood sugar levels and worsen insulin resistance.
Immune System Function
Poor sleep can weaken the immune response, making it harder for the body to manage infections and inflammation, which can complicate diabetes management.
Mood and Energy Levels
Poor sleep can lead to fatigue, irritability, and depression, which can make it more challenging to adhere to a diabetes management plan, including medication, diet, and exercise.
Cardiovascular Health
Poor sleep quality can increase this risk by affecting blood pressure, heart rate, and inflammation levels.