Individuals with type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are at higher risk for severe retinopathy and neuropathy than diabetics without OSA, according to new research presented at the 2011 Diabetes UK Annual Professional Conference in London.

Researchers from the University of Birmingham examined 149 individuals with type 2 diabetes and OSA and 82 individuals with only type 2 diabetes for the development of retinopathy.¹ At the conclusion of the study, the researchers noted that 48% of patients with OSA developed severe retinopathy compared to just 20% of patients without OSA.

In a related study, the research group examined 148 individuals with type 2 diabetes and OSA and 82 individual with only type 2 diabetes for the development of neuropathy.² The researchers determined that 60% of the patients with OSA developed neuropathy compared to just 22% of patients without OSA.

“Our results emphasized what is already known—that OSA is very common in patients with type 2 diabetes, and is much higher than OSA prevalence in the general population,” says lead author Abd A. Tahrani, M.D., clinical lecturer in diabetes and endocrinology in the Division of Medical Sciences.

“Furthermore, our results suggested that OSA is not an innocent bystander in patients with type 2 diabetes and might contribute to morbidities associated with this condition. Whether OSA treatment has any impact on these complications will need to be determined.”

1. Tahrani AA, Ali A, Begum S, et al. Obstructive sleep apnea and sight threatening retinopathy: a novel association in patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetic Med. 2011 Mar;28(Suppl. 1):80.  
2. Tahrani AA, Ali A, Begum S, et al. Obstructive sleep apnea is independently associated with peripheral neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetic Med. 2011 Mar;28(Suppl. 1):66.