Untreated Sleep Apnea Raises Blood Sugar And Cardiac Stress: New Study
Even a few days of untreated obstructive sleep apnea can elevate blood pressure, glucose, fat, and cortisol levels, according to a new study.
“This is one of the first studies to show real-time effects of sleep apnea on metabolism during the night,” said researcher Jonathan Jun, M.D., assistant professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Twenty to 30 percent of adults experience obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where the upper airway narrows during sleep, and temporarily inhibits breathing. OSA has been correlated with increased type 2 diabetes and heart disease risk, but whether OSA is a causal factor for these conditions has not been proven.
To determine OSA’s effect on our metabolism, Johns Hopkins investigators took several blood samples over two nights from 31 patients with moderate to severe OSA, and a history of consistent CPAP use. Each patient spent one of the two nights at the research lab wearing a CPAP. The second session occurred after CPAP therapy had been stopped for two nights. The sessions, done in random order, were separated by one to four weeks.
The patients’ overnight blood samples were tested for fatty acids, insulin, glucose, and the stress hormone cortisol. Their heart rates, brain waves, blood oxygen, respirations, leg, and eye movements were monitored as well. The average patient age was 50.8 years, most were overweight or obese, and 25 percent had non-insulin dependent diabetes.
On the night without CPAP use, patients experienced sleep disruption, higher heart rates, and lower blood oxygen. They also had elevated glucose, fatty acids, cortisol, and blood pressure. Glucose levels rose the most in those with diabetes. Additionally, patient arteries showed signs of stiffness after the non-CPAP night.
Although this was not a placebo controlled study, the researchers say their work offers more evidence that sleep apnea directly aggravates obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. The study also highlights the importance of using CPAP, or alternative therapies to prevent the metabolic, and cardiovascular effects of OSA.
Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine
Photo credit: Cafetw
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