Obstructive sleep apnea in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and diabetes mellitus are common and worsening global health problems. Epidemiological evidence has demonstrated a high prevalence of OSA in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). As obesity is a risk factor for both OSA and diabetes mellitus, the prevalence of both conditions appears to rise further in the face of the worsening obesity epidemic. Objective To study the effect of OSA on diabetes control in patients with T2DM. Patients and methods This study included 25 patients with both T2DM and OSA. In addition, 17 patients with T2DM but without OSA were selected as the control group. Patients with OSA were advised to use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for 3 months. HbA1c were estimated at the beginning of the study and again after CPAP use. Results The levels of HbA1c were significantly higher in the patients’ group than the control group. Of the OSA-related parameters, only Epworth sleepiness scale score had a significant positive correlation with the levels of HbA1c. After 3 months of CPAP use, HbA1c was significantly improved from 8.64±1.12 to 8.30±0.89. Conclusion OSA has negative effects on controlling blood glucose levels in patients with T2DM. The use of CPAP in the management of OSA in patients with T2DM may have a good effect on controlling blood glucose levels.

Keywords

• continuous positive airway pressure
• diabetes mellitus
• hba1c
• obstructive sleep apnea