Snoring during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of prediabetes. A new study has shown that the main predictor of diabetes - insulin resistance - can be diagnosed early in pregnancy, simply by looking at the quality of a woman's sleep..

In their scientific work, experts from Brown University noted that gestational diabetes is usually diagnosed in the second or third trimester of pregnancy.. Insulin resistance, which reduces the effect of insulin on glucose regulation, can be detected as early as the first trimester or even before conception. This condition may be directly related to obstructive sleep apnea..

The study included 192 women in early pregnancy who had risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea - persistent snoring and overweight.. The researchers deliberately excluded from the study women who had previously been diagnosed with gestational diabetes or are receiving treatment for OSAS..

All participants completed a sleep quality assessment at home and were tested for the HOMA Insulin Resistance Index.. After adjusting the obtained data, scientists identified obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in 61 women (32%). They also had elevated insulin resistance index and blood glucose levels..

The researchers noted that all of these women were on average older than the other participants, had a high body mass index and were pregnant for the second or third time.. However, they did mention that impaired glucose metabolism occurs in some cases in women who do not have these risk factors..

That is why all expectant mothers need to monitor glucose and insulin levels and pay attention to the quality of sleep..

“Ideally screening for obstructive sleep apnea should be done before conception.. Doctors should look out for signs such as elevated BMI, heavy snoring, daytime sleepiness. This will allow timely diagnosis of sleep disorders and prescribe treatment.. Therapy later in pregnancy will unfortunately be less effective in reducing the risk of insulin resistance and diabetes,” the researchers said..

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