Renee, I thought that was an excellent explanation. My wife was also a Respiratory Therapist for many years and I helped her with her school. I have also been an EMT but am not currently up to date. So I know something about sleep apnea as well as have it severely. I think you did a great job explaining it and the consequences that can occur as well as the reassurance that if taken care of it can be lived with. I've never read or heard of a direct connection with diabetes but you mentioned all the health issues it can affect. Those conditions can affect diabetes so I guess there is an indirect connection. I am fastidious about using my CPAP when I sleep to be as safe as possible and getting a good nights sleep is so important to anyone's overall health. Those of us with sleep apnea don't, but with the machine I can sleep much better.
Mulberry, please use your CPAP it will help in the long run. It may take time to get used to it but once you do I know you will sleep longer and better. Keep in touch with your RT because they can tell you how well you are sleeping with the new machines and keep it clean and sanitary or you may find you get sinus and respiratory problems. Good luck and good health.

Thanks for your answer. I was told my diabetes might improve, also my memory, blood pressure, and alertness. I am hoping so. Both disease are bad for heart attack and stroke - double trouble.

You are welcome.

I am both Diabectic and Have sleep aphany
. It has never seem to matter in relations of my Bloodd sugars yes, Mulbarry, Double trouble. .

I have both, too. I'm also a respiratory therapist so I know a little about sleep apnea. Most of the time the apnea is caused by the tongue falling back and blocking the airway when someone lays flat for sleep. This type is called obstructive sleep apnea. I was waking up in the middle of the night so thirsty, which happens to be a symptom both diseases have. I took a pulse oximeter home from work and did a study on myself and had enough apnea and hypopneas to qualify for oxygen. Without really going into every detail, I wore the CPAP without oxygen for a couple of months. When I started to lose weight from finally having a diagnosis of diabetes and addressing those issues, I no longer had symptoms of sleep apnea. I also learned a bit about positioning myself to lessen the obstruction. I avoid laying on my back.
The reason your blood pressure will improve is because your heart won't have to work as hard to deliver oxygen. You don't have to be on o2 to have an improvement in saturation if you have apnea. Take those away and your brain will get more oxygen too. You will sleep better, which is why your memory and energy will improve. Don't stress over the possibility of a stroke. I've been doing this for 31 years and I've yet to have even one person stroke on me. What is a concern is the buildup of co2 in a person who's having apnea episodes at night. Those will subside if you're compliant with your cpap machine.