Abstract

Insulin use could increase the risk of obstructive sleep apnea in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Author(s): Wagner Martorina & Almir Tavares

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder that can increase cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Little is known about specific risk factors for OSA in patients with T2DM.

Objective: Identify variables associated with an increased risk of OSA in T2DM.

Setting: T2DM outpatient clinic.

Measurements: Sleep-T2DM relevant variables were stratified according to STOP-Bang questionnaire scores, in order to recognize OSA risk associations.

Results: Insulin use was directly related to a higher risk of OSA in T2DM outpatients: RP 1,86; IC 1,315- 2,649; p< 0,001.

Limitation: Cross-sectional study, OSA diagnosed by non-objective measures.

Conclusion: In T2DM, the use of insulin increased the chances of belonging to a group of patients with a higher risk of OSA. The cost-benefit of treatment with insulin should be compared with other options, in patients already with T2DM with an increased risk for OSA.