The Relationship between Diabetes-Related Complications and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract EN

This study explored the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the presence of any diabetes-related complications in type 2 diabetes and whether this was mediated by hypertension.

Secondly, the relationship between OSA severity and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was investigated.

A total of 131 patients participated.

OSA was diagnosed using a home monitor, and severity was measured by apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and oxygen desaturation index (ODI).

OSA was found in 75.6% of the participants, 40.5% with moderate-to-severe degree.

Any diabetes-related complications (retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, or coronary artery disease) were present in 55.5%, and 70.2% of the participants had hypertension.

Mediation analysis indicated that, compared to those with mild or no OSA, those with moderate-to-severe OSA were 3.05 times more likely to have any diabetes-related complications and that this relationship was mediated by the presence of hypertension.

After adjusting for confounders, ODI (B = −0.036, p=0.041), but not AHI, was significantly associated with lower eGFR.

In conclusion, moderate-to-severe OSA was related to the presence of any diabetes-related complications in type 2 diabetes, and the relationship was mediated by hypertension.

The severity of intermittent hypoxia was associated with lower eGFR.

Whether OSA treatment will delay or reduce diabetes-related complications should be investigated.