Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is independently associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), according to a new study from researchers in the UK. The severity of DPN is also correlated with the degree of OSA and the severity of nocturnal hypoxemia.

"OSA is known to be associated with inflammation and oxidative stress, so we hypothesized that it would be associated with peripheral neuropathy in patients with T2DM," said lead author Abd Tahrani, MD, clinical lecturer in endocrinology and diabetes at the University of Birmingham in the UK. "This is the first report to identify an independent association between OSA and DPN in these patients."

The findings were published online ahead of print publication in the American Thoracic Society's American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

In the observational cross-sectional study, DPN was assessed with the Michigan Neuropathy Screening instrument in 234 adults with T2DM. OSA was assessed with a single overnight home-based cardio-respiratory sleep study using a portable multi-channel device.

OSA was independently associated with DPN even after adjustment for a number of possible confounders, including ethnicity, gender, age at diabetes diagnosis, and diabetes duration, and remained independently associated with DPN after further adjustment for obesity and other risk factors for DPN. In addition, DPN severity was significantly correlated with OSA severity and nocturnal hypoxemia severity. The relationship between OSA severity and DPN severity remained significant after adjustment for age, obesity, diabetes duration, gender and estimated glomerular filtration rate.

The researchers also found that OSA was associated with increased nitrosative/oxidative stress and impaired microvascular blood flow regulation, which could explain the relationship observed between OSA and DPN. "In patients with T2DM, OSA may aggravate and amplify glucose toxicity, which has significant implications for tissues which are susceptible to the complications of diabetes," said Dr. Tahrani.

The study had some limitations, including its cross-sectional design and lack of an interventional arm, making proof of causation necessary in additional prospective studies.

"Additional prospective and interventional studies are also needed to examine the role of OSA and intermittent hypoxemia in the development and progression of DPN in patients with both early and advanced diabetes, and to assess the potential impact of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on DPN," Dr. Tahrani said.

With an impact factor of 10.191, the AJRRCM is a peer-reviewed journal published by the American Thoracic Society. It aims to publish the most innovative science and the highest quality reviews, practice guidelines and statements in the pulmonary, critical care and sleep-related fields.

Founded in 1905, the American Thoracic Society is the world's leading medical association dedicated to advancing pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine. The Society's 15,000 members prevent and fight respiratory disease around the globe through research, education, patient care and advocacy.