Markers of glycemic control and insulin resistance in non-diabetic patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome: Does adherence to CPAP treatment improve glycemic control?

Abstract

Background and Aim Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS) is associated with glucose dysmetabolism and insulin resistance, therefore the amelioration of breathing disturbances during sleep can allegedly modify the levels of markers of glucose regulation and insulin resistance, such as glycated hemoglobin, fasting glucose, insulin and HOMA IR. The aim of this study was to explore the association between these parameters and sleep characteristics in non-diabetic OSAHS patients, as well as the effect of 6 months CPAP therapy on these markers, according to adherence to CPAP treatment. Methods Euglycemic patients ( n = 56; mean age ± SD: 46.07 ± 10.67 years) with newly diagnosed OSAHS were included. Glycated hemoglobin, fasting glucose, insulin levels and HOMA IR were estimated at baseline and 6 months after CPAP application. According to CPAP adherence, patients were classified as follows: group 1 (mean CPAP use ⩾ 4 h/night), group 2 (mean CPAP use < 4 h/night) and group 3 (refused CPAP treatment), and comparisons of levels of the examined parameters were performed. Results At baseline, average SpO 2 during sleep was negatively correlated with insulin levels and HOMA IR while minimum SpO 2 during sleep was also negatively correlated with insulin levels. After 6 months, only group 1 patients demonstrated a significant decrease in glycated hemoglobin ( p = 0.004) accompanied by a decrease in hs-CRP levels ( p = 0.002). No other statistically significant change was observed. Conclusions Nighttime hypoxia can affect fasting insulin levels in non-diabetic OSAHS patients. Good adherence to long-term CPAP treatment can significantly reduce HbA 1C levels, but has no effect on markers of insulin resistance.