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World J Diabetes. Jan 15, 2011; 2(1): 16-18
Published online Jan 15, 2011. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v2.i1.16
Published online Jan 15, 2011. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v2.i1.16
Continuous positive airway pressure to improve insulin resistance and glucose homeostasis in sleep apnea
Paschalis Steiropoulos, Sleep Unit, Department of Pneumonology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis 68100, Greece
Nikolaos Papanas, Outpatient Clinic of Obesity, Diabetes and Metabolism, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis 68100, Greece
Author contributions: Steiropoulos P and Papanas N conceived the manuscript; and Steiropoulos P wrote the first draft and Papanas N finalized the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Nikolaos Papanas, MD, Outpatient Clinic of Obesity, Diabetes and Metabolism, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, G. Kondyli 22, Alexandroupolis 68100, Greece. papanasnikos@yahoo.gr
Telephone: +30-69775-44337 Fax: +30-25510-74723
Received: July 19, 2010
Revised: August 30, 2010
Accepted: September 6, 2010
Published online: January 15, 2011
Revised: August 30, 2010
Accepted: September 6, 2010
Published online: January 15, 2011
Abstract
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a relatively common disorder in the adult population. It is associated with alterations in glucose metabolism and increases the risk for diabetes mellitus. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the treatment of choice for OSAS. It may also have a favorable effect on insulin resistance and glucose metabolism, although relevant data is conflicting. Additional research is still needed to fully establish the effect of CPAP on glucose homeostasis. It should ascertain which patients may benefit most and how long treatment takes to induce favorable changes. Finally, patient compliance is being appreciated as a major factor influencing therapeutic outcomes, and this needs to be further examined.
Keywords: Continuous positive airway pressure; Diabetes mellitus; Glucose homeostasis; Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome