CPAP and blood sugar levels in Prediabetes

Prediabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are elevated above normal, but not high enough to meet criteria for diabetes. Here is a study that measured blood sugar levels (and other parameters) during two weeks of CPAP use versus an oral placebo in patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. I only have access to the abstract and an article about the study. In this study, researchers ensured that those randomized to CPAP used it for 8 hours a night for two weeks straight. The results showed that the CPAP users had lower blood sugar levels as the main outcome. A secondary outcome measure showed lower blood pressure levels in the CPAP users when compared to the controls.

Obstructive sleep apnea is linked to decreased insulin resistance.

This article describes research showing that children with obstructive sleep apnea have decreased sensitivity to insulin. Decreased sensitivity to insulin can be seen in diabetes. The researchers hypothesized that oxygen level decreases seen in obstructive sleep apnea could be responsible for the decreased sensitivity to insulin. Results of this study suggest that it is important to screen patients with diabetes or who are prediabetic for obstructive sleep apnea.

Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea more likely to have prediabetes

This article discusses how women with a condition called polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are at increased risk of being prediabetic. See my other blogpost about OSA and PCOS.