Effect of continuous positive airway pressure therapy on glucose metabolism and glucocorticoid in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome and type 2 diabetes

Objective To investigate the effects of continuous positive airway pressure(CPAP) treatment on glucose metabolism and glucocorticoid in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM). Methods To use at least 30 days of CPAP treatment on 36 cases of patients with T2DM and newly diagnosed OSAHS hospitalized during July 2008 and December 2009 in the Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Hospital. To take CPAP treatment for the patients without contraindication.Insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism were tested and compared to the data previously obtained.Paired-t-test were used for statistical analysis. Results After the application of CPAP treatment, the glycohemoglobin ((7.1±1.0)%) and fasting blood glucose((6.5±1.1) mmol/L) were lower than that been previous obtained (HbAlc(9.1±2.2)%, FBG(10.0±3.0) mmol/L; t=6.517, P 0.05). Conclusion CPAP can cause an overall improvement in insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes patients with OSAHS, CPAP is also an effective treatment in addition to lifestyle intervention and drug treatment. Key words: Type 2 diabetes mellitus; Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome; Continuous positive airway pressure; Insulin resistance