Simple Tool Helps Screen Women With Gestational Diabetes for Sleep Apnea

A new decision-tree tool can help screen women with gestational diabetes for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The tool, tested in Thailand, was the subject of a study that was presented at the annual scientific meeting of the Endocrine Society in Florida.

"Obstructive sleep apnea is highly prevalent in diet-controlled obese women with GDM. An algorithm using the Berlin Questionnaire and neck circumference could help screen for OSA in these women," said senior author Sirimon Reutrakul, M.D., associate professor in the Faculty of Medicine at Ramathibodi Hospital of Mahidol University in Bangkok.

The study investigated the prevalence of OSA in women in their second or early third trimester of pregnancy who controlled their gestational diabetes through diet.

The participants enrolled in the study for 24 to 36 weeks. Baseline characteristics were recorded and then the participants were given the well-regarded Berlin Questionnaire for obstructive sleep apnea to assess risk.


Participants then wore a device that measured sleep breathing overnight, giving them an apnea diagnosis. The study found little difference between participants in the various measures whether or not an apnea diagnosis was given. With the exception of neck circumference, which was significantly higher in those with OSA.

The study found that the questionnaire was predictive in diagnosing women with gestational diabetes for obstructive apnea.

"Sleep apnea has previously been shown to be associated with adverse fetal and maternal outcomes. Health professionals should be aware of this possible comorbidity in women with gestational diabetes, especially in women who are obese," Reutrakul advised.

Source: Eurekalert.org


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