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Updated: May 30, 2026
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Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
Effect of mild hyperglycemia on autonomic function in obstructive sleep apnea
Amanda C Peltier1, Kanika Bagai, Kay Artibee
1Division of Neuromuscular Disorders, Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA. amanda.peltier@vanderbilt.edu
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients with hyperglycemia show reduced heart rate variability and sympathetic tone. Mild hyperglycemia is a key factor influencing autonomic function in OSA studies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to cardiovascular disease, possibly via a hypersympathetic state.
- Hyperglycemia is common in OSA patients and may also cause autonomic dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the combined effects of OSA and hyperglycemia on autonomic function.
- To determine if hyperglycemia confounds the relationship between OSA and autonomic dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- 35 OSA patients and 11 controls underwent polysomnography, glucose tolerance testing, and autonomic function tests.
- Measurements included catecholamines, urine collection, ECG, and continuous blood pressure spectral analysis.
- Linear regression and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for data analysis.
Main Results:
- Hyperglycemia was present in 23 OSA patients and 2 controls.
- Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) correlated with total and low-frequency power, but not the LF/HF ratio.
- Glucose levels negatively correlated with LF systolic power and showed marginal associations with other heart rate variability measures.
Conclusions:
- OSA patients with mild hyperglycemia exhibit a trend towards reduced heart rate variability and sympathetic tone.
- Hyperglycemia acts as a significant confounder in OSA-related autonomic function studies.
- Evaluating hyperglycemia is crucial for research on OSA and autonomic dysfunction.
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