Sponsored Article   Updated: 11/08/2013 10:17 am  (BPT) -
Despite common misconceptions, anyone - regardless of gender,
weight or fitness level - can develop obstructive sleep apnea, a
life-threatening condition characterized by episodes of complete
or partial airway obstruction during sleep.   Be aware of the
risk factors   In addition to these more commonly known risk
factors, many people don't realize that they're in greater
danger of developing sleep apnea if they already suffer from
other common diseases.  'Seven in 10 Type 2 diabetics and 30 to
40 percent of adults with hypertension also have obstructive
sleep apnea,' says Dr. M. Safwan Badr, president of the American
Academy of Sleep Medicine. 'As a result, patients with these
conditions should pay close attention for potential symptoms and
then seek necessary treatment.'  Watch for symptoms  While the
symptom most commonly associated with sleep apnea is snoring,
not everyone who snores has the disease. However, when snoring
is paired with choking, gas