Glycemic control and its association with sleep quality and duration among type 2 diabetic patients

Background

Poor glycemic control is the current most important tragedy in type 2 diabetic patients. Sleep has a major modulatory effect on endocrine and metabolic function. Sleep disturbance is associated with increased circulating cortisol levels, sympathetic activity, and epinephrine secretion. These physiological conditions are directly or indirectly associated with glucose metabolism in our body cells. In Ethiopia, sleep pattern association with glycemic control level is not studied yet.

Objectives

To assess glycemic control and its association with sleep quality, sleep duration and napping among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Referral and Specialized Hospital Northwest Ethiopia.

Method

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 407 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients from July 1, 2020, to April 28, 2021, using a systematic random sampling technique. We drew 5 mL of blood from each patient before breakfast to determine their fasting blood sugar level. The Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index was used to assess patients' sleep quality, and the presence or absence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea was determined using the STOP-BANG questionnaire. Data were analysed using STATA version 14.1.variables with a P-value of <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

Glycemic control was found to be poor in 54.05% of the study participants. Female sex, poor sleep quality, and short and long sleep durations were all significantly associated with impaired glycemic control. Being female increased the odds of poor glycemic control by 2.7 times (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.23, 6.15) compared to males. T2DM patients who had poor sleep quality had 3.3 times (AOR = 3.3, 95% CI (1.16, 9.37) higher odds of poor glycemic control compared to patients who had good sleep quality. The odds of having poor glycemic control among T2DM patients who were at low risk of OSA and intermediate risk of OSA were decreased by 96% (AOR = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.12) and 86% (AOR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.43) compared to T2DM patients who were at high risk of OSA, respectively. T2DM patients who had short sleep duration (<6 hours) were 8.3 times (AOR = 8.3, 95% CI: 2.66–25.85) higher chances of poor glycemic control compared to patients who had average sleep duration. T2DM patients who had long sleep duration (>8 hours) increased the odds of poor glycemic control by 2.6 times (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI (1.12–6.04) compared to those who had average sleep duration. The chances of having poor glycemic control among T2DM patients who did not take the balanced diet recommended by their physician were increased by 3.8 times (AOR = 3.8 95% CI: 1.05–13.77).

Conclusion

The prevalence of poor glycemic control in T2DM patients was high. Poor sleep quality, both short and long sleep duration, and an intermediate or low risk of obstructive sleep apnea were statistically associated with poor glycemic control. Hence, good sleep quality and appropriate sleep duration are recommended to maintain glycemic control levels in the normal range.