Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: The prevalence of OSAS in the general population is ~ 3%. Associations between T2D and OSAS have been shown, but the prevalence of OSAS in T2D in Wales is not known.

In OSAS recurrent episodes of collapse of the upper airway (apnoeas) occur during sleep. The resulting transient hypoxia and increased sympathetic drive leads to repetitive arousals. Sleep fragmentation results in excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Snoring, witnessed apnoeas, and EDS are the main symptoms of OSAS. OSAS is known to be associated with obesity, vascular events and hypertension.

The aim of this study is to assess OSAS in T2D patients.

Method: 50 patients attending diabetes clinics at The Royal Gwent Hospital participated in this questionnaire study. The questionnaire incorporated elements from the Berlin Sleep questionnaire, Wisconsin Sleep Questionnaire, and the Epworth Sleep Scale. BMI, HbA1c, and blood pressure data were collected.

Participants were scored for symptoms of OSAS.

Results: Ten patients had symptoms highly suggestive of OSAS. Four participants were already diagnosed and undergoing treatment for OSAS. One participant had three symptoms of OSAS which would indicate referral for investigation.

The prevalence is 11.1%. Five participants had two symptoms of OSAS which would indicate referral for investigation. Including these participants gives a prevalence of 22.2% of participants with significant OSAS symptoms or previously diagnosed OSAS. There was a significant difference with a higher BMI found in the OSAS symptom group (P=0.04). There was no statistical difference in Hb1Ac or hypertension between the groups.

Conclusion: The prevalence of OSAS based on this questionnaire study is increased in T2D in Wales compared to the general population. This finding is important as OSAS is a potentially modifiable factor associated with obesity, T2D, and vascular disease.