Diabetes, sleep apnea, obesity and cardiovascular disease: Why not address them together?

Abstract

Obesity, sleep apnea, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases are some of the most common diseases encountered by the worldwide population, with high social and economic burdens. Significant emphasis has been placed on obtaining blood pressure, body mass index, and placing importance on screening for signs and symptoms pointing towards cardiovascular disease. Symptoms related to sleep, or screening for sleep apnea has been overlooked by cardiac, diabetic, pulmonary and general medicine clinics despite recommendations for screening by several societies. In recent years, there is mounting data where obesity and obstructive sleep apnea sit at the epicenter and its control can lead to improvement and prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular complications. This editorial raises questions as to why obstructive sleep apnea screening should be included as yet another vital sign during patient initial inpatient or outpatient visit.

Keywords: Cardiovascular complications; Diabetes; Obstructive sleep apnea; Obstructive sleep apnea screening.

Figure 1

Showing the relationship of obstructive sleep apnea to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity. CAD: Coronary artery disease; HTN: Hypertension; CVA: Cerebrovascular accident; DM: Diabetes mellitus; OSA: Obstructive sleep apnea.