Obstructive sleep apnea in diabetic patients

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are common disorders that often coexist. OSA may be an under recognized co-morbidity of DM. The purpose of this study is to estimate the proportion of DM patients who are at risk for OSA and describe factors associated with the risk. Material and Methods: An institutional based study from November 2013 to November 2014 included 50 cases of DMthat were significant for modified Berlin questionnaire. All the 50 cases were subjected to thorough clinical examination and routine investigations like complete blood counts (CBC), blood sugar levels, polysomnography, lipid profile, thyroid profile and modified Berlin questionnaire. Results: A total of 50 DM patients were included in the study, out of which 29(58%) were male and 21(42%) were female patients. Mean age of the patients was 51.52 ± 11.97 years and mean BMI was 30.20 ± 9.41 kg/m2, mean waist circumference was 90.22 ± 7.58 cm and 25(50%) of patients were obese. All those DM patients with significant Berlin questionnaire score underwent an overnight polysomnography to confirm the diagnosis of OSA. It was found that 35(70%) out of 50 patients screened had apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) ? 5. Conclusion: More than half of adults with DM at high risk for OSA, and many may be undiagnosed. In a primary care setting, the modified Berlin Questionnaire is an easily applied screening tool that identifies patients at increased risk of OSA who may benefit from further diagnostic studies and treatment of OSA. All DM patients should be screened with modified Berlin questionnaire. Control of DM and Body mass index will reduce apnea hypopnea index. Keywords: Obstructive Sleep Apnea; Berlin Questionnaire; Diabetes mellitus; Polysomnography.