Sleep disorder results in type 2 diabetes

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) results in an intermittent and repeated upper airway collapse during sleep, which in turn results in irregular breathing at night and excessive sleepiness during the day. Evidence suggests that regular snoring and OSA are associated with alterations in glucose metabolism and therefore can be a risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes, said Dr Vijay Kumar Chennamchetty, interventional pulmonologist and sleep disorder specialist, Apollo Hospitals at Jubilee Hills. He was speaking at a health lecture for the Public Garden Walkers' Association in Nampally recently.

“Factors like obesity, male gender, middle age, smoking, sedative drugs usage, excess alcohol consumption can aggravate OSA. Also the prevalence of OSA is much higher in patients with cardiac or metabolic disorders than in the general population,” he added. The doctor highlighted the symptoms of OSA, which are excessive daytime sleepiness, impaired concentration, snoring, unrefreshing sleep, choking episodes during sleep, restless sleep, nocturia, decreased libido, irritability/personality change, etc.

“Controlling OSA needs lifestyle changes like weight loss in the case of obese persons, smoking cessation, avoiding alcohol, sedative and hypnotic medication in the evenings, as all these decrease airway dilator function. Untreated OSA can lead to significant neurocognitive and cardiovascular morbidity,” the doctor said.

On how condition can be diagnosed, Dr Vijay said, “Polysomnography Sleep Study (PSG) is the traditional gold standard investigation for OSA. It involves tests like Electroencephalogram (EEG), Electro-oculogram (EOGs) and Electromyogram. Patients with a 4 per cent oxygen saturation dip rate are the ones who can benefit from treatment. Benefits may be seen in reduction in daytime sleepiness, quality of life, blood pressure and mood.”