Prevalence and Predictors of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in Romanian Obese Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Abstract

Aim: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and to evaluate factors associated with excessive daytime sleepiness as a symptom of sleep apnea (SAS) in a sample of Romanian type 2 diabetic patients. Material and Methods: The Epworth Sleepiness Scale was administered to 242 consecutive patients with type 2 diabetes and a body mass index (BMI) ≥30kg/m². Score > 10 points was considered pathologic. Results: Twenty-two percent of diabetic obese patients had excessive daytime sleepiness. Compared with patients without daytime sleepiness, the median HbA1c was increased with 1.2% (p<0.001) in sleepy patients. Waist circumference (odds ratio: 1.04; 95%CI [1.01 – 1.07]), BMI (odds ratio: 1.1; 95%CI [1.04 – 1.18]) and HbA1c (odds ratio: 1.29; 95%CI [1.07 – 1.56]) were significantly related to the presence of excessive daytime sleepiness. Conclusion: Excessive daytime sleepiness as a symptom of suspected SAS is highly prevalent in Romanian patients with type 2 diabetes and should be systematically screened for, especially among obese individuals with higher waist circumference, higher BMI and higher HbA1c values.