Effects of continuous positive airway pressure treatment in patients with obstructive sleep apnea on insulin sensitivity and glucose control

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) is very common in patients with type 2 diabetes and generates an additional cardiovascular risk in this high risk population. Several studies suggest the existence of a direct association between OSA severity and HbA1c in diabetic patients. Treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), in addition to improvements in quality of sleep and quality of life, decreases the level of cardiovascular risk (mainly through a reduction in blood pressure) Regular use of CPAP could improve insulin sensitivity and glycemic control (especially in poorly controlled diabetic patients), but the level of evidence is low and larger prospective controlled studies are needed.