Share Your Diabetes Story: How did CPAP impact you?

[SaltLakeJan]

I didn't expect I would ever have Diabetes. You never get it unless in runs in your family. WRONG. But, I have type Two Diabetes, I wasn't overweight, and I was a regular exerciser. I'm still wondering "how come" this happened to me. I either wasn't aware, or I didn't have the classic Diabetes symptoms. However, I didn't feel exactly right. A persistant sinus infection took me to the doctor. He listened to me, ordered some blood tests, gave me an antiobiotic.

A few days later he called me with the diagnosis of Diabetes. To say that I was surprised, is putting it mildly. He sent me to an Endocrinologist, who arranged for me to take a series of Diabetic Education Workshops. This helped me get off to a good start. He told me living with Diabetes can be as simple as you want it to be - Eat right, remember to exercise, test your blood gloucose.I am not minimizing the seriousness of Diabetes. I got a full run-down all the complications that can occur. You can lose limbs, your eyesight, effect your heart, blood pressure, on and on. I give credit to my doctor for his wise advise, & to the Diabetic Association for the educational classes they sponsor.

Fast forward a few years, I felt normal, which meant I felt tired, & exhausted most of the time. Those feelings had come on gradually and brought me to my doctor again. Again, he listened to me & said he had been thinking about having me take an over-night test for Sleep Apnea. I had just read an article about a former Pro football player with a size 20 neck - he had Sleep Apnea. What did I have in common with someone like him?

Turned out that I had a lot in common with him; I had severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea with 99 apnea and hypopneas per hour of sleep. Believing that was quite a stretch for me. If I slept seven hours, I would have almost 700 apneas and hypopneas. This was a bigger shock than being diagnosed with Diabetes. I had a hint something was wrong with my body when I was starting with Diabetes. Why wasn't I aware with apnea that severe apnea, I might not have awakened one morning?

The shock of having apnea continued. My first visit to the DME upset me. I thought the treatment they proposed for Sleep Apnea was a harsh and almost inhumane treatment. They put the most uncomfortable thing on my face, it was called a mask. I can think of worse things to call it. Then they turned on gale force winds, and those winds were blowing up my nose. I thought if this treatment was given to a dog, it would be outlawed as cruel and unusual.

As bad as that was, the worst was next to come. The DME bundled my machine, mask, hoses, all my equipment and sent me home to implement it.
I felt discouraged, I couldn't keep the mask on my face. When it did it leaked into my eyes. The Sleep Doctor told me, I'm sure you will figure it out. The DME didn't return my calls. Where were the workshops to explain Sleep Apnea? Where was the kindly doctor, telling me exactly what would happen? Because of the mask leaking into my eyes, I developed conjunctivitis in both eyes . Each time I started CPAP again, the eye infection become worse. I coulnd't find anyone to help me, and I stopped CPAP.

Later, I tried it again. I had a familiar lonely feeling when the DME sent me home with my equipment. By accident, I found Cpaptalk.com. that very night. There I found strangers who become friends and have helped me every step of the way.

[Juliebove]

I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes in 1998. Diagnosed with type 2 in 1999. Diagnosed with sleep apnea in 2009. So far I can't see what one has to do with the other.

[gulfpearl]

I was diagnosed with OSA in August .I started cpap therapy in October2005. I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in 2007. After my OSA diagnosis, I hade to wait 2 months to receive my cpap machine & mask. I was given the equiptment and told to use it nightly and to clean my mask & hose daily. I even asked if I should use my cpap while napping the RT's reply was if you want to use it use it if not no harm would be done. Shortly after beginning cpap therapy I found this site & learned most of what i know today not from the medical professionals , but from other cpap users. My diabetes therapy was different. I was first given a low carb. diet to follow I was then taught to use my gluclose meter to check my blood sugar levels to refine the diet according to my readings. I was also given medication Glucophase and started on it the same day I was diagnosed. Unlike cpap therapy which I had to wait 2 months for all the paperwork to be processed & then finally receving my equiptment.That was the hardest 2 months knowing I had severe OSA & not receiving the treatment I needed. I was one of the lucky ones I adjusted well to cpap and felt improvement right away. After about a year on cpap I started to feel very tired again. I had another sleep study & was told my pressure requirements had not changed. I knew from then I had to take charge of my own therapy or I would never feel rested. I purchased a apap & with the data on my smartcard I was able to find my "sweetspot" which was higher than what was said to be on my sleep study. If I left my therapy up to my sleep doctor I wouldn't have been treated effectively. As with my Type 2 diabetes I now control it with diet & exercise . I am completely off all meds due to a 23 KG weight loss & probablely due to bettter cpap control.

[Goofproof]

I, am the "Crash Dummy", for the medical profession. I dianosed myself in the 1980's, using a friends test kit, I had most of the symptoms, thirst, chewing ice, kidney's working overtime, eye's starting to give problems.

I finally went to my doctor, he checked, I tested 600, I never in all 30 years have taken the standard test. He called the hospital to get me a room, I stopped him and told him I'd be at work in two hours, 30 miles away. He said to keep a EMT handy, because I'd stroke out.

My Type II, as was a lot of my other health problems was set in motion by Agent Orange exposure in 1966, in Viet Nam, the war that keeps on giving. I started using oral drugs to lower my sugar, but truth be told, we had a job to do, and a family to raise, my health took a seat way, in the back. (We were young and bullet proof), later we found out real the cost.

The treatment (Oral) didn't help, so I started on insulin, with the job I had, I used up a lot of fuel, it made for a rolliecoaster ride. I had to eat a lot to do the job, and with the insulin I overdosed quite a bit. With my job you never had a set thing to do, they all were bad, but sometimes you would exercize more, so it was a balancing act to get through a shift.

In 2003 I retired early at 58 , the job was too much for a old dog. So I did nothing, and got good at it.

In 2005 I had a heart attack, waited 3 days, then went to the ER, (I had no pain due to the diabetes), they put in two stents, and sent me home to get stronger, or die. In one month they did a Quad Bypass, That's when they found out I had a narrowed airway, It took them 20 minutes to tube me. In recovery they noticed I couldn't get my O2 over 85 while awake, so when I went home it was on O2, and later Sleep test and XPAP. The sleep test was standard, poorly done, they pulled a rabbit out of the hat, and started me at 14CM, it was a little scary after having your chest cut open, but now I can wear a shirt two sizes bigger.

We had no choice we had to make XPAP work. That's why I get a little mad at others that don't take their treatment seriously. De-Nile doesn't get it, "Get "R" Done!" Everyday you let your head tell you, you can't do XPAP, is a day of your life wasted. Folks, those days are too short.

In 2006. the doctors talked me into having a defib unit implanted, My regret is I let them do it. The doctor didn't use enough pain killer, and or never let it work, they had me tied down or they would have never caught me. As it was the defib, they installed had new FDA approved leads, that are defective, so the devices are painfully killing patients.

So, I have less than 1/3 heart function, a defib unit waiting to kill me. I have no strength to do any work, or walk more than a block slowly. To almost control my sugar, I take Glipizide XL 10 mg daily, and 200 units of two kinds of insulin daily @ 3 injections. Even then my sugar remains too hign.

If I had started XPAP treatment 15 years earlier, I'd probably be in much better shape, for now we just have what we have left to work with. Day by day, make the best of it. Jim

[rested gal]

I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes in 1998. Diagnosed with type 2 in 1999. Diagnosed with sleep apnea in 2009. So far I can't see what one has to do with the other.

It may be that you had undiagnosed sleep apnea for many years before you had a sleep study 2009.

Undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea may contribute to the development of diabetes in some people. Here are a few links about "what one has to do with the other:"

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20 ... 183530.htm
ScienceDaily (May 21, 2007) — Researchers at the Yale University School of Medicine have found that patients with obstructive sleep apnea are at increased risk for developing of type II diabetes, independent of other risk factors.
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http://www.diabeteshealth.com/read/2008 ... seriously/
More on the Sleep Apnea/Diabetes Connection: Doctors Urged to Take It More Seriously
Sep 4, 2008
Despite the fact that 94 percent of doctors are aware of the association between sleep apnea and diabetes, only 47 percent of them screen for the condition in their patients with diabetes.
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http://sleepdoctor.blogspot.com/2008/06 ... betes.html
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
obstructive sleep apnea and diabetes
The International Diabetes Federation reports on the close relationship between type 2 Diabetes and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
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http://diabetes.webmd.com/news/20050301 ... e-diabetes
Previous studies have shown that diabetes and sleep apnea are closely related, and sleep apnea sufferers are nine times more likely to have diabetes that those without the sleep disorder.
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http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/A ... _diabetes/
Updated October 17, 2007
Sleep Apnea and Type 2 Diabetes:
A Vicious Circle
by Ralph Pascualy, M.D.
The epidemic of diabetes in the United States is being fueled by multiple medical, social, and demographic forces. Among those forces is sleep apnea, which is now recognized as a major contributor to the development of diabetes.
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http://www.thedenverchannel.com/health/ ... etail.html

A LINK BETWEEN THE TWO? Researchers at the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, have linked sleep apnea to diabetes. They are investigating blood glucose levels and the role of fat cells in patients with sleep apnea.

During the night, oxygen levels fluctuate, causing fat cells to become resistant to insulin. Researchers think this may cause glucose levels to rise, which may cause diabetes and other cardiovascular problems.

"Sleep apnea worsens glucose control and worsens the body's responsiveness to insulin," Rami Khayat, M.D., a sleep expert at the Ohio State University told 7NEWS.

A separate study at UCLA showed that adults who suffer from sleep apnea are three-times more likely to have diabetes. Researchers say they will conduct further studies to provide more insight into the link between these two common problems.

[Sleepy Boy]

Hi Johnny: I found out I have type ll diabetes about 4 years ago. I'm on oral Meds. I most likely had OSA at that time also, but didn't find it out till July of 08 My parents and siblings all had diabetes with my Dad & Brother on insulin. So far it hasn't showed up in my children and they are in their 40's. I'm pretty active, my weight had been within 5lbs. for about 12 yrs. I'm a little overweight for my height, but I seem to stay at that point. I can't say if CPAP has helped my diabetes or not. I don't follow a rigid diet, I pretty much eat what I want within reason. Thanks, Larry..

[BeanMeScot]

Type II diabetes runs very heavily in my family. Almost everyone on my mother's side gets it. My mother only got it when she was on steriods at the end of her life. I get blood work done frequently for other medical issues and my glucose numbers had moved into the pre-diabetic stage in the last few years prior to CPAP. The last couple of blood work reports she sent me didn't have a number for my glucose. I would be interested to know what it is now, 7 months into CPAP.

[Guest]

I started using a c-pap around 1989 and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in March of 2007. Since the beginning of c-pap therapy I have been virtually alone and never visited and help groups or websites until the last couple of weeks. All I can tell you about sleep apnea is that using the machine gets me the rest that I need to live. I do not know what the numbers mean other that the setting of 17 is my pressure on the c-pap. In the two years since I was diagnosed with diabetes I have been to a nutritionist twice and see my doctor every three months. I also receive information from my insurance company educating me further on the do's and dont's of diabetes care. Sleep apnea needs to be addressed by the medical profession seriously and those who have it need to be educated on how best to deal with it.

[DreamStalker]

Can't compete with Jim's story. I'm pre-diabetic and working hard to reverse it while I still can ... and only for my successful PAP treatment and this forum that I'm able to make a valiant effort.

[mdbarthe]

I was diagnosed with OSA and began CPAP therapy in February of 2006. My Type II diabetes was diagnosed in December of 2007.

Because I was not checking my blood sugar prior to my diagnosis, I have no idea how CPAP therapy has affected (if it has) my blood sugar levels. I do know that I am, thus far, dodging the needle and my A1c is staying in the 6 range.

As for the difference between the two conditions; Rooster hit the nail on the head. With diabetes, the medical profession diagnoses us, points us to copious sources of information and then puts day-to-day control of the disease in our hands. They treat us like adults and place the responsibility for our treatment and welfare in our own hands.

With OSA and CPAP therapy, you get diagnosed; sent home to wait for a prescription and call from a DME and then handed a machine, mask, hose and carrying bag with a 30 minute crash course on how it all works (if you're lucky). The manuals and set-up information, as well as software and card readers (if you're lucky enough to be prescribed a data-capable machine) are removed from the package before it is tendered to you.

Let me get this straight.......we can inject insulin into our systems through syringes or prescribed medication, and our blood sugar levels can literally make or break us; but we're not deemed responsible enough to determine how much air blows into our noses and mouths at night??????

I think the bottom line between the two conditions it that the medical profession is much more knowledgeable about diabetes and its treatment than they are about OSA and appropriate therapy. Rather than just admit that and turn control over treatment to those with the most at stake (us); they want to keep us in the dark so they look like they know what's best.

[DreamStalker]

I was diagnosed with OSA and began CPAP therapy in February of 2006. My Type II diabetes was diagnosed in December of 2007.

Because I was not checking my blood sugar prior to my diagnosis, I have no idea how CPAP therapy has affected (if it has) my blood sugar levels. I do know that I am, thus far, dodging the needle and my A1c is staying in the 6 range.

As for the difference between the two conditions; Rooster hit the nail on the head. With diabetes, the medical profession diagnoses us, points us to copious sources of information and then puts day-to-day control of the disease in our hands. They treat us like adults and place the responsibility for our treatment and welfare in our own hands.

With OSA and CPAP therapy, you get diagnosed; sent home to wait for a prescription and call from a DME and then handed a machine, mask, hose and carrying bag with a 30 minute crash course on how it all works (if you're lucky). The manuals and set-up information, as well as software and card readers (if you're lucky enough to be prescribed a data-capable machine) are removed from the package before it is tendered to you.

Let me get this straight.......we can inject insulin into our systems through syringes or prescribed medication, and our blood sugar levels can literally make or break us; but we're not deemed responsible enough to determine how much air blows into our noses and mouths at night??????

I think the bottom line between the two conditions it that the medical profession is much more knowledgeable about diabetes and its treatment than they are about OSA and appropriate therapy. Rather than just admit that and turn control over treatment to those with the most at stake (us); they want to keep us in the dark so they look like they know what's best.

More like ... they want to keep us in the dark so they can milk you for as much $$ as they can.

[mdbarthe]

Yeah.......that, too!

[wsparks]

My story began a few years ago. I had been suffering with extreme exhaustion and lack of energy. Doctor suggested to got to a sleep center and after my prolonged thoughts of how not to go my other half made me go. I went reluctantly and was awakened during the study to have a CPAP device placed on me. My numbers were very bad and had many episodes of lack of oxegen and many bouts of no sleep, even though I was not aware. They told me my circumstance was very dangerous and that I should immediately get my equipment.

Well a few weeks later I got my first machine and in a few days, I could not believe the difference in my life. I had energy and my abilityto focus was improved 100%. Prior to this I also had been diagnosed with Type II diabetes. I was on a high dosage of medication to level me out and was doing well with the dosage. After a few months with my CPAP equipment I went for my routine exam and got my results from the lab and my diabetes dosage was cut in half. My visits since have always been 6.0 or 6.1 on the diabetes scale.

If you are wondering or putting off taking the sleep study, I highly recommend soing so. I think it saved my life or more than likely prolonged it.

[georgepds]

Re the different treatment between diabetes and sleep apnea. The difference could simply be due to lack of experience and training on sleep apnea on the part of the doctor. Diabetes has been recognized forever and treated successfully since insulin was available(1). Sleep apnea is a relatively new diagnosis(2) . I suspect the problem is most doctors currently practicing have never been instructed in the disease. This lack of training manifests itself as lack of support.

The 60 years difference between when insulin was first used and when sleep apnea was recognized span 2 generations of medical training. We've got at least one more generation of training to go before the care catches up with that of diabetics

Good thing there is the internet and groups like this

--G

(1)http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/93776.php
"Eighty-six years ago Canadian Frederick Banting administered the first insulin injection. In 1922 Banting's work came to a head as he injected a man called Leonard Thompson with insulin. Thompson lived for another 13 years."

(2)http://pats.atsjournals.org/cgi/content/full/5/2/136

"... it was not until the 1980s that the clinical ramifications of disorder became more widely appreciated by the medical community. Although public awareness of obstructive sleep apnea has steadily increased since then, a majority of those affected still remain undiagnosed."

[William Bussey]

I'm an insulin dependent Type 11 Diabetic. I can home from the hospital after my third open heart surgery. The first three nights I was home I could not sleep at all. I was very tired, beat up and a mess. My cardiologist sent me to a sleeping disorder facility. My sleepover, e3tc proved I had sleep apnea.

My first night at home with my new ResMed CPAP I slept ten hours. I now have a ResMed BIPAP machine and I've used a machine almost five years. I don't want to sound corny, but I don't believe I'd be alive today had I not got a machine. I use it at night and even when I take a day nap. I put well over 11,000 hours on the first machine and wore it out. I wouldn't be without it.