Diabetes Is an Independent Risk Factor for Severe Nocturnal Hypoxemia in Obese Patients. A Case-Control Study
2009

Diabetes and Severe Nighttime Breathing Problems in Obese Patients

Sample size: 90 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Lecube Albert, Sampol Gabriel, Lloberes Patricia, Romero Odile, Mesa Jordi, Hernández Cristina, Simó Rafael

Primary Institution: CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III

Hypothesis

Are obese patients with type 2 diabetes more prone to severe sleep apnea than non-diabetic subjects?

Conclusion

Type 2 diabetes negatively impacts breathing during sleep, making it a significant risk factor for severe nighttime low oxygen levels in obese patients.

Supporting Evidence

  • 80% of diabetic patients had sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome.
  • Diabetic patients spent significantly more time with oxygen saturation below 90% compared to non-diabetic patients.
  • Residual volume was significantly higher in diabetic patients.

Takeaway

This study found that people with diabetes who are also obese have more trouble breathing at night compared to those who are obese but don't have diabetes.

Methodology

The study compared 30 obese women with type 2 diabetes to 60 matched non-diabetic women using respiratory polygraphy and pulmonary function tests.

Potential Biases

Potential misclassification of diabetes status could introduce bias.

Limitations

The study was cross-sectional, and diabetes status was based on self-report or medication use, which may lead to misclassification.

Participant Demographics

30 obese women with type 2 diabetes and 60 matched non-diabetic women.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.027

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004692

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