Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract

Humans spend almost 33% of their life sleeping, therefore, poor sleep quality can have both short-term and long-term consequences on an individual's quality of life. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) is the most common sleep disorder characterized by respiratory cessation for at least 10 seconds, associated with a decreased oxygen saturation. OSA is a risk factor for heart rhythm disorders. The presence of heart rhythm disorders correlates with the severity of OSA, especially in middle-aged patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The metabolic consequences of OSA contribute to a general imbalance. When circadian rest and activity rhythms are disrupted, hormonal and metabolic regulations also become desynchronized. OSA has an important role in the development of insulin resistance, increased diabetes risk and altered glycemic control in patients with type 2 DM. Taking into account that OSA is an independent risk factor that contributes to the appearance and the progression of diabetes complications, we aimed to present the case of a male patient with type 2 diabetes, aged 70 years old in whom the diagnosis of OSA was established using nocturnal polysomnography. Furthermore, in order to demonstrate the relationships between OSA, poor diabetes control and cardiovascular risk, during polysomnograhy Holter monitoring and continuous glucose monitoring was also performed.