https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1008-678X
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Abstract
Sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances are less-known risk factors for the development and suboptimal outcomes of diabetes. The goal of this narrative review is to highlight the importance of sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances in the development and outcomes of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), assess current treatment options and the possible mediating mechanisms. We performed a literature search using PubMed and selected relevant English and Dutch papers. Disturbances of sleep and circadian rhythm are common in people with diabetes. They are associated with an increased risk of developing T2D as well as with suboptimal diabetes outcomes (including higher HbA1c levels and reduced quality of life) for T1D and T2D. Preliminary data suggest that treatment of sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances could improve diabetes outcomes in people with T1D and T2D. Finally, the association with medical parameters appears to be mediated by disturbance in hormones, and by suboptimal self-care including forgetting or postponing glucose monitoring or medication use as well as higher consumption of high fat/high sugary foods. Diabetes may also disturb sleep, for example through nocturnal hypoglycemia and nocturia. We concluded that sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances are closely linked with diabetes. More attention to sleep in regular diabetes care is warranted, while further research is needed on treatment of sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances in the prevention of diabetes and its suboptimal outcomes.
Data Sharing Statement
This review did not generate any new data.
Acknowledgments
We thank Fleur Pals for her contribution to the literature search.
Author Contributions
All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that was in conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Disclosure
Dr Femke Rutters is an associate editor at Diabetologia and has received funding from the Dutch Diabetes Research Foundation related to sleep and diabetes. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported.