Type 2 diabetes is a serious metabolic condition with a multitude of negative side effects. One of the leading causes of type 2 diabetes is obesity, and many obese individuals also suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a potentially dangerous disorder that causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start during sleep.
A new study into patients who have both conditions has found an increased risk for the development of another condition called diabetic retinopathy, which leads to blindness.
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“Despite improvements in glucose, blood pressure, and lipid levels, diabetic retinopathy remains very common. Meanwhile, OSA has been shown to be very common in patients with type 2 diabetes, which is not surprising considering that excess weight contributes to the development of both of these conditions,” said corresponding author Dr. Abd Tahrani of the University of Birmingham’s Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research.
Loss of vision from diabetic retinopathy is expected to occur within less than four years.
A serious eye condition
All diabetics are at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy, regardless of whether they suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. It is generally considered a complication of poorly controlled blood sugar levels.
When excess sugar remains in the blood, it can lead to the blockage of tiny blood vessels in the eye, which cuts off the blood supply to the retina. The body tries to compensate for this decreased supply of blood by developing new blood vessels in the eye. Unfortunately, these new blood vessels can leak easily and cause additional problems.
Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the Western world.
Looking for a link
The study in question involved 230 type 2 diabetic patients and excluded anyone who was already known to have OSA or any other kind of respiratory condition. Specialist retinal imaging was used to assess diabetic retinopathy. OSA was assessed using a home-based cardio-respiratory device.
Those found to have OSA had a higher prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (42.9 percent) than those without OSA (24.1 percent).
At a follow-up appointment, which took place on average 43 months after the testing, those with OSA were more likely to develop moderate to severe diabetic retinopathy (18.4 percent) than those without OSA (6.1 percent).
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Diabetic OSA patients did, however, have a lower risk of developing advanced diabetic retinopathy when they received treatment for their OSA compared to those patients who didn’t receive any treatment.
“Following our research, it is important that clinicians treating patients with type 2 diabetes are aware that their patients who also have OSA are particularly at increased risk of developing advanced retinopathy and, hence, appropriate preventative measures should be put in place,” Dr. Tahrani added.
Related: Obstructive sleep apnea patients with type 2 diabetes see improved glycemic control using CPAP
Devon Andre has been involved in the health and dietary supplement industry for a number of years. Devon has written extensively for Bel Marra Health. He has a Bachelor of Forensic Science from the University of Windsor, and went on to complete a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh. Devon is keenly aware of trends and new developments in the area of health and wellness. He embraces an active lifestyle combining diet, exercise and healthy choices. By working to inform readers of the options available to them, he hopes to improve their health and quality of life.
