Prevalence and characteristics of Sleep Disordered Breathing in a group of 483 patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Objective: The main objective of this study was to determine prevalence and characteristics of Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) in a group of patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: A ventilatory polygraphy was systematically performed on 483 diabetic patients between 2011 and 2015 regardless of suggestive symptoms of Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS). SAS was defined by an apnea-hyponea index (AHI)>5/h. SAS was considered severe for AHI above 30/h. Results: 483 diabetic patients were included in the study. Patients were 56 ±14 years old with a male predominance (53%), Body Mass Index (BMI) was 33.27 ±9.24 kg/m². Average AHI was 20.5/hour and Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI) average was 18/hour. Prevalence of SAS was 74.5% (360 patients) of which 86% had obstructive SAS and 14% combined central and obstructive SAS. 74% of patients with moderate to severe SAS (AHI>15/h) had a BMI>30. 56% of patients with SAS had a BMI>30. 41% (n=149) of patients had severe SAS (AHI>30/h). 54 % of these patients were over 60 years old and 70% were males. 90% (n=134) of patients with severe SAS had daytime sleepiness with an average Epworth Sleepiness Scale score of 11.15 ± 3.05. ODI was correlated with the severity of the SAS, 72% of moderate to severe SAS had an ODI≥15/h. Conclusion: Patients with type 2 diabetes have high prevalence of severe SAS (41%). In this group of patients, daytime sleepiness is high (90% of patient). SAS severity is correlated with age, BMI and ODI. These results suggest the importance of systematic screening for sleep disorders breathing in symptomatic patients with type 2 diabetes, particularly if they are male, over 60 years old and with a BMI>30.