Sleep apnea is continuously being studied and evaluated for its connection to other severe disorders. Sleep apnea is a disorder that takes place during sleep. With Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or OSA, the airway becomes partially or completely blocked, causing the cessation of breathing for a short period of time. These interruptions in sleep can be devastating to the human body and mind due to decreased oxygen levels in conjunction with a poor quality of sleep.

Studies are showing that there are a great deal of secondary issues and disorders that can be traced back to sleep apnea. These additional health concerns in combination with the health problems caused by the sleep apnea disorder itself can create a lethal situation.

Sleep Apnea and Diabetes

A recent study that involved more than 8,500 Canadian subjects has shown a connection between obstructive sleep apnea and the onset of diabetes. This has been the largest study to date between the two conditions. This large study was prompted by smaller studies which hinted at a relationship between the disorders that cried out for further investigation.

By using a larger sample of the population along with a median follow-up period of 67 months, they were able to shed light on some of the limitations on some of the smaller, earlier studies. The findings of the study were published in the American Thoracic Society’s American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. The lead author of the study was Tetyana Kendzerska MD, PhD of the University of Toronto.

The study showed that the severity of obstructive sleep apnea among patients actually predicted the risk for diabetes. This was illustrated by the 8,678 adult subjects who were suspected to have obstructive sleep apnea without diabetes. These patients underwent diagnostic sleep studies between the years of 1994 and 2010. Their records were tracked through May 2011 by use of provincial health administrative data. This allowed them to examine each occurrence of diabetes.

Details of the Sleep Apnea and Diabetes Study

The patients had their sleep apnea severity assessed with the AHI, or apnea-hypopnea index. This scale indicates the severity of their sleep apnea disorder based upon the number of apneas and hypopneas that occurred each hour of sleep. An apnea is the complete cessation of air while a hypopnea is a partial cessation of air. The patients in the study were classified as having no sleep apnea, mild sleep apnea, or moderate sleep apnea.

During the follow up portion of the study, about 1,017 of the patients had developed diabetes. This is a percentage of about 11.7%. Researchers adjusted the results for known risk factors for diabetes such as age, gender, body mass index, smoking, and neck circumference. The data showed that patients with severe sleep apnea have a 30% greater risk of developing diabetes than those patients who presented with no sleep apnea. The patients who presented with mild or moderate sleep apnea showed a 23% greater risk of developing diabetes than those with no sleep apnea.

The results show a significant connection between the severity of sleep apnea and the risk of developing diabetes. Prolonged lower blood oxygen levels, interrupted sleep, shorter sleep time, and a higher heart rate while sleeping are all thought to create the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and diabetes.

How This Study Will Impact Sleep Apnea Studies Moving Forward

While this specific study did have a few limitations and gaps in data such as family histories of diabetes and race, it is extremely likely that the results will repeat themselves in larger, more intricate studies. Now that we know that the severity of sleep apnea can predict an increased risk for diabetes, patients are now able to take preventative measures to take charge of their health in hopes of preventing diabetes from developing.

Part of taking charge of your health includes speaking to your doctor if you believe that you may be suffering from sleep apnea. By diagnosing the disorder early, you are giving yourself a better chance to protect yourself from other illnesses and conditions that have been linked to sleep apnea. Early treatment is a surefire way to ensure that your case of sleep apnea does as little damage to your body, heart, and mind as possible.

There are many treatment options available for the varying levels of sleep apnea. If diagnosed, work with your doctor to create a treatment plan that will work for you. While this disorder is treatable, the treatment is only effective if you follow your treatment plan. Be sure to be honest with your doctor about any concerns or questions you may have regarding your treatment and what options are available to you.

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, please contact Mark Levy DDS at (614) 777-7350.