Sleep-disordered breathing was associated with diabetes, IFG, IGT

Sleep-disordered breathing may be an important clinical risk factor for levels of metabolic dysfunction, according to new study findings.

Researchers from Case Western Reserve University, Geisinger Health System and various other U.S. institutions conducted a cross-sectional analysis to determine associations between sleep-disordered breathing and impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, combined IFG and IGT and occult diabetes. The researchers observed 2,588 individuals aged 52 to 96 years without diagnosed diabetes. Sleep-disordered breathing was defined as respiratory disturbance index ≥10 events per hour.

Two hundred and nine nonoverweight individuals had sleep-disordered breathing compared with 1,036 overweight/obese individuals. Individuals with sleep-disordered breathing had significantly higher adjusted prevalence and odds ratios of IFG (1.3), IGT (1.2), combined IFG and IGT (1.4) and occult diabetes (1.7).

Furthermore, combined IFG and IGT and occult diabetes were more prevalent among individuals with sleep-disordered breathing compared with individuals without the condition.

Associations between nonoverweight vs. overweight/obese individuals were similar and consistent across all measures of impaired glucose metabolism and the independent association cannot be explained by BMI or waist circumference, according to the researchers. – by Katie Kalvaitis

Diabetes Care. 2008;31:1001-1006.

Seicean et al. extended existing studies of sleep-disordered breathing, a condition including obstructive sleep apnea, to confirm that these conditions are associated with increased likelihood of diabetes and of impaired glucose tolerance.

– Zachary T. Bloomgarden, MD

Endocrine Today Editorial Board member