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Obstructive sleep apnea and abnormal glucose metabolism
1Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Ansan, Korea.
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal
|September 6, 2012
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common and linked to metabolic issues like insulin resistance. More research is needed to confirm if treating OSA can prevent or manage diabetes and improve glucose control.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic Medicine
- Sleep Medicine
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent chronic disorder frequently associated with obesity and diabetes.
- OSA is linked to metabolic abnormalities such as insulin resistance, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.
- Despite lower obesity rates in Koreans, OSA prevalence is comparable to Caucasians, suggesting similar metabolic impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between obstructive sleep apnea and metabolic dysfunction, particularly glucose intolerance and insulin resistance.
- To review the current understanding of how OSA-related factors like intermittent hypoxia influence metabolism.
- To discuss the controversial effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on glucose metabolism and the need for further clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiologic and experimental studies investigating OSA and metabolic abnormalities.
- Analysis of mechanisms linking OSA to glucose intolerance and insulin resistance (intermittent hypoxia, sleep fragmentation, sleep deprivation).
- Evaluation of existing literature on the impact of CPAP treatment on glucose metabolism.
Main Results:
- Numerous studies demonstrate a strong association between OSA and impaired glucose metabolism, including insulin resistance.
- Intermittent hypoxia, sleep fragmentation, and sleep deprivation are identified as key contributors to OSA's metabolic effects.
- The efficacy of CPAP treatment in improving glucose metabolism remains a subject of ongoing debate and requires further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Obstructive sleep apnea significantly impacts glucose metabolism and insulin resistance through various physiological mechanisms.
- Randomized controlled trials are essential to definitively assess the role of OSA treatment in diabetes prevention and management.
- Further research is needed to clarify the benefits of CPAP therapy for glucose control in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals.
Keywords:
Diabetes mellitusGlucose intoleranceGlucose metabolismInsulin resistanceSleep apnea, obstructiveMore Related Videos
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