CPAP Improves Glycemic Control in Patients with Sleep Apnea and diabetes

CPAP therapy has a notable impact on enhancing HbA1c levels, thereby contributing to improved long-term management of glycemic control in individuals living with type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) finds a study published in European Respiratory Society.

The comprehensive review, which scoured databases including MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus, examined the effect of CPAP therapy on glycemic control in patients grappling with both OSA and type 2 diabetes. This meta-analysis, involving a random-effect model, assessed outcomes reported in at least two RCTs. Of the 3031 records initially screened, 11 RCTs comprising a total of 964 patients met the criteria for inclusion in the analysis.

The findings of the systematic review provided compelling evidence in favor of CPAP therapy as a means to improve glycemic control in individuals facing the dual challenge of type 2 diabetes and OSA. Notably, CPAP treatment led to a statistically significant reduction in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), a key marker of long-term blood sugar control. The mean difference in HbA1c levels between the CPAP-treated group and the inactive control groups was -0.24%, with a 95% confidence interval ranging from -0.43% to -0.06%. This effect was deemed statistically significant with a p-value of 0.001.

Moreover, meta-regression analysis highlighted a significant association between the reduction in HbA1c and the number of hours patients adhered to their nightly CPAP therapy. This suggests that the extent of improvement in glycemic control is directly correlated with the patient's commitment to consistent CPAP usage.

The implications of these findings are substantial. Not only does this systematic review support the idea that CPAP therapy can positively impact the long-term blood sugar control of individuals suffering from OSA and type 2 diabetes, but it also underscores the importance of patient adherence to CPAP treatment protocols.

This systematic review brings promising news for individuals contending with both OSA and type 2 diabetes. CPAP therapy has emerged as a valuable tool in the quest for better blood sugar control, with the level of improvement directly tied to patient compliance. As healthcare providers work to manage these chronic conditions, optimal adherence to CPAP should be a primary goal in the treatment plan.

Source:

Herth, J., Sievi, N. A., Schmidt, F., & Kohler, M. (2023). Effects of continuous positive airway pressure therapy on glucose metabolism in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. In European Respiratory Review (Vol. 32, Issue 169, p. 230083). European Respiratory Society (ERS). https://doi.org/10.1183/16000617.0083-2023