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Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disease and is associated with significant cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and metabolic complications. Current evidences show inconclusive association between OSA and insulin resistance (IR). This study aims to examine possible correlation between OSA parameters and IR. A total of 62 patients underwent PSG within the study period, of which 16 patients were excluded due to abnormal fasting blood sugar. Information on patients' medical illnesses, medications, and Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) was obtained. Patients' body mass index (BMI), neck circumference, and waist circumference (WC) were measured. Blood samples were collected after 8 hours of fasting to measure HOMA-IR value. Overnight PSG was performed for all patients. Data was recorded and analyzed. The prevalence of IR in OSA patients was 64.3%. There was significant correlation between OSA parameters (apnea-hypopnea index, ESS, BMI, and WC) and HOMA-IR with correlation coefficient of 0.529, 0.224, 0.261, and 0.354, respectively. In conclusion, A linear correlation exists between OSA parameters and IR concluding a definite causal link between OSA and IR.
About the author
Mawaddah Azman has completed her postdoctoral studies in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery at the age of 32 years from University Kebangsaan Malaysia. She is a practicing otolaryngologist with special interest in head and neck oncology, laryngology and sleep apnea.
