INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTS OF SLEEP DISTURBANCES ON GLUCOSE METABOLISM IN INDIVIDUALS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Sleep disturbances are increasingly recognized as modifiable risk factors for poor glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This systematic review explores the pathophysiological mechanisms linking sleep and glucose metabolism, and evaluates the impact of sleep interventions on metabolic outcomes.

Objective: To synthesize evidence on how various sleep disorders—including insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, circadian misalignment, and sleep restriction—influence glucose regulation in T2DM, and to assess the efficacy of related therapeutic interventions.

Methods: A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies included were observational and interventional designs assessing sleep parameters and glycemic outcomes in adults with or at risk of T2DM. Narrative synthesis was conducted due to methodological heterogeneity.

Results: Twenty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings consistently showed that sleep disorders impair insulin sensitivity and increase risk for poor glycemic control. Interventions including cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia, pharmacologic agents, and sleep extension strategies improved sleep quality and, in many cases, glucose metabolism.

Conclusions: Addressing sleep disturbances represents a critical, yet underutilized, avenue in T2DM management. Interventions targeting sleep could offer synergistic benefits in metabolic health, though further high-quality, large-scale studies are warranted.