Pulmonary Insulin Resistance – The Lung as a Metabolic Organ: Investigating the Correlation between Insulin Resistance and Sleep Apnea

Introduction: The relationship between insulin resistance (IR) and sleep apnea has been increasingly investigated. This study aimed to examine the correlation between IR and the severity of sleep apnea, as well as the potential impact of IR on pulmonary function. Methods : A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 72 individuals diagnosed with sleep apnea. Demographic data, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, and glycated hemoglobin were collected. IR was assessed using the triglyceride glucose index (TyG index). Polysomnography and spirometry were performed. Logistic regression analysis was employed to evaluate the association between IR, sleep apnea severity, and pulmonary function. Results: The study population consisted of 37 females and 35 males with a mean age of 45.31 years. IR was present in 66% of participants. The mean Epworth sleepiness score was 8.89 ± 4.54. The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) revealed 19.40% normal, 30.60% mild, 27.80% moderate, and 22.20% severe. A significant association was found between IR and both Epworth score (PR 60.50%, OR 1.243, P = 0.0001) and AHI (PR 65.50%, OR 4.750, P = 0.014). However, no significant association was observed between IR and mild AHI. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a significant association between IR and the severity of sleep apnea, particularly moderate and severe AHI. These results underscore the importance of considering IR as a potential risk factor for sleep apnea and suggest the possibility of pulmonary IR in situ.