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Health experts are urging people to pay closer attention to their sleep patterns, warning that night-time disturbances could be an early sign of diabetes. Disrupted sleep—particularly frequent waking or difficulty staying asleep—may be more than just an inconvenience; it could indicate underlying blood sugar imbalances.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body regulates blood sugar, or glucose. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as organ damage, nerve issues, and increased risk of infections. According to recent estimates, approximately 38 million Americans live with diabetes, with many additional cases likely undiagnosed.
While well-known symptoms include increased thirst, excessive urination, and fatigue, experts stress that lesser-known signs—such as poor sleep quality—should not be overlooked.
According to Diabetes UK, “Getting enough quality sleep is important for good health and wellbeing, but sleep problems can be common for people living with diabetes, and getting a good night’s rest can be easier said than done. Changes in your blood sugar levels can play their part in disrupting sleep, and diabetes complications such as neuropathy (nerve damage) and foot pain can also make it hard to sleep.”
Both low and high blood sugar levels can negatively impact sleep. The charity explained, “Low blood sugar, known as hypos (short for hypoglycaemia) in the night can affect people living with type 1 diabetes and can lead to reduced sleep quality. People living with other types of diabetes who take insulin or other glucose-lowering medication may also experience high and low blood sugar levels during the night.”
Low nighttime blood sugar can result in drowsiness the following day and may lead to “irregular sleep patterns.” Meanwhile, high blood sugar can trigger frequent urination, increased thirst, headaches, and other symptoms that make it difficult to fall back asleep.
Additionally, there is growing evidence that poor sleep may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. A 2022 study published in Diabetes Care found that people who suffered from insomnia tended to have higher blood sugar levels. Lead author James Liu noted, “We estimated that an effective insomnia treatment could result in more glucose lowering than an equivalent intervention, which reduces body weight by 14kg in a person of average height.”
To improve sleep quality, Diabetes UK recommends strategies such as avoiding alcohol before bed, limiting screen time, keeping the bedroom cool and comfortable, and relaxing before sleep.
If you’re experiencing symptoms like blurry vision, frequent urination, fatigue, or persistent thirst—especially alongside sleep disturbances—consulting your doctor for testing is essential.
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