Veterans with both insomnia and sleep apnea have elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes: Study

A study set to be presented at the SLEEP 2026 annual meeting found that U.S. military veterans with both insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea face a substantially elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The research underscores the compounded health risks faced by veterans who experience these two sleep disorders concurrently. The findings suggest that the coexistence of insomnia and sleep apnea may exacerbate metabolic dysfunctions, increasing susceptibility to type 2 diabetes. Veterans dealing with both conditions should be prioritized for targeted interventions, including sleep management and metabolic health monitoring. The study highlights the need for healthcare providers to address sleep disorders holistically, particularly in high-risk populations like military veterans. Early identification and treatment of sleep apnea and insomnia could potentially mitigate the risk of developing diabetes in this group. Researchers emphasize the importance of further investigation into the underlying mechanisms linking these sleep disorders to diabetes risk. The SLEEP 2026 presentation will provide additional details on the study’s methodology and findings, offering insights for clinical practice and public health strategies.