Postprandial hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea

Postprandial hyperglycemia is common in type 2 diabetes even in those with acceptable glycemic control and conveys an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been associated with altered glucose metabolism, data regarding its association with postprandial hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes are limited. Thus, the current study sought to characterize the association between OSA and postprandial hyperglycemia in adults with type 2 diabetes.

A cross-sectional study of adults with type 2 diabetes was conducted. Home sleep testing was used to assess OSA severity as determined by the oxygen desaturation index (ODI). Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) was performed before and 2-h after breakfast, lunch, and dinner for three days. The association between OSA and glucose levels before and after each meal was examined using multivariable logistic regression.

The study sample consisted of 195 adults with 52% being men. OSA severity, as assessed by ODI quartiles, was associated with higher postprandial glucose values after dinner but not after breakfast or lunch. The adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for a higher post-dinner glucose level for four ODI quartiles were 1.00 (Reference), 2.16 (0.96, 4.87), 2.23 (1.03, 4.83), and 2.58 (1.18, 5.94). Stratified analyses showed that this association was present in men but not women.

Increasing OSA severity is associated with postprandial hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes and may contribute to impaired glycemic control. Future studies examining the impact of OSA treatment on glucose metabolism should consider meal-related glycemic excursions as a potential outcome.