November is National Diabetes Month, a time when communities across the country team up to bring attention to diabetes. In partnership with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) link, this year's focus is on the link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Diabetes affects the lives of over 30 million people; and research shows that children who get too little sleep are more likely to have risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes and Sleep Apnea in Children
The study of more than 4,500 youth found a link between kids' sleep habits and certain diabetes "risk markers." Children who slept fewer hours each night tended to be a bit heavier and show more insulin resistance.
Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. When the body starts to become resistant to insulin, it can be a precursor to type 2 diabetes.