Gender Differences in the Association Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Diabetes

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Sleep Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder.
• Diabetes mellitus is a major global health concern.
• The association between OSA and diabetes requires further investigation in diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between OSA and diabetes in a Chinese population.
• To explore potential gender differences in this association.
• To determine the relationship between OSA severity indicators and diabetes risk.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 794 inpatients (615 men, 179 women) from a Chinese tertiary care hospital.
• Diagnosis of OSA using polysomnography (PSG).
• Diabetes diagnosis by an endocrinologist.

Main Results:

• Increased apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) correlated with a higher risk of diabetes (9% increase per unit).
• Lower lowest oxygen saturation (LSaO2) during sleep correlated with a decreased risk of diabetes (13% decrease per unit).
• Significant association between OSA indicators and diabetes observed in men, but not in women.

Conclusions:

• A significant association exists between OSA and diabetes in a Chinese clinical population.
• A dose-response relationship was found between OSA severity (AHI, LSaO2) and diabetes.
• The OSA-diabetes association shows a gender difference, being significant only in men, suggesting enhanced diabetes screening for men with OSA.