Effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy on Glycemic Profile in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

• Published in: Bulletin of the Russian Military Medical Academy Vol. 27; no. 2; pp. 257 - 266
• Main Authors: Kharitonov, Mikhail A., Varavin, Nikita A., Chukhno, Stepan D., Salukhov, Vladimir V., Skorodumova, Elizaveta G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 23.06.2025
• ISSN: 1682-7392; 2687-1424
• DOI: 10.17816/brmma635619

The effectiveness of continuous positive airway pressure therapy on the glycemic profile in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome was evaluated by systematic review and meta-analysis of available scientific data. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is a relatively common disorder, particularly among men. Epidemiological studies have shown that up to 24% of men experience obstructive sleep apnea, especially those who are overweight or obese. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome are at increased risk for various comorbidities, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disorders, metabolic disturbances, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Published evidence on the effectiveness of continuous positive airway pressure therapy in reducing insulin resistance has yielded conflicting results. Therefore, studying the impact of continuous positive airway pressure on glycemic profile indicators is highly relevant. This meta-analysis and systematic review included 23 studies, comprising randomized controlled trials and prospective and retrospective cohort studies, involving 1017 patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and 458 control participants without the condition. The assessed parameters included the following endpoints: fasting glucose level, serum insulin concentration, glycated hemoglobin level, and insulin resistance index. Meta-analysis results indicated that continuous positive airway pressure therapy did not demonstrate a significant effect on glycemic profile indicators in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Moreover, adherence and duration of continuous positive airway pressure therapy are probably the most crucial factors for evaluating its effectiveness. Further research is warranted with stricter evaluation of adherence to continuous positive airway pressure therapy, along with standardized session durations and overall treatment course length. This will provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of this treatment approach for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome on the glycemic profile of comorbid patients, particularly those with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus.