Obstructive sleep apnoea and Type 2 diabetes mellitus: are they connected?

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a sleep-related breathing condition, is diagnosed based on a patient's apnoea-hypopnea index from a sleep study, and the presence or absence of symptoms. Diabetes mellitus (DM) and OSA share a significant common risk factor, obesity, with all three conditions con...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Singapore medical journal 2017-04, Vol.58 (4), p.179-183
Main Authors: Mok, Yingjuan, Tan, Chee Wei, Wong, Hang Siang, How, Choon How, Tan, Kah Leong Alvin, Hsu, Pon Poh
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cardiovascular Diseases - complications
Comorbidity
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - complications
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - epidemiology
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - therapy
Humans
Obesity - complications
Obesity - therapy
Practice Integration & Lifelong Learning
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Sleep Apnea, Obstructive - complications
Sleep Apnea, Obstructive - epidemiology
Sleep Apnea, Obstructive - therapy
Weight Loss
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Summary:Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a sleep-related breathing condition, is diagnosed based on a patient's apnoea-hypopnea index from a sleep study, and the presence or absence of symptoms. Diabetes mellitus (DM) and OSA share a significant common risk factor, obesity, with all three conditions contributing to the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. The pathophysiological links between OSA and DM are still unclear, but intermittent hypoxia may be an important mechanism. More awareness of the possible link between OSA and DM is needed, given their increasing prevalence locally and worldwide. Continuous positive airway pressure is the standard treatment for OSA, while weight loss through dietary and lifestyle modifications is important to holistically manage patients with either condition. There is currently insufficient evidence to support the benefits of screening every diabetic patient for OSA. However, diabetic patients with symptoms suggestive of OSA should be referred to a sleep specialist for further evaluation.
ISSN:0037-5675
DOI:10.11622/smedj.2017027