New research suggests sleep apnea could accelerate kidney function decline in those suffering from both diabetes and kidney disease.
Type 2 diabetes has been known to contribute to the development of chronic kidney disease, and obstructive sleep apnea is common in diabetic patients, the American Society of Nephrology reported. Because of these factors researchers wondered if sleep disorders could have an influence on the connection between diabetes and kidney problems.
Sleep apnea is a widespread disorder in which people experience one or more pauses in shallow breathing during sleep, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute reported.
To make their findings the researchers looked at data on 56 patients with diabetes and CKD who underwent screenings for obstructive sleep apnea using a detailed questionnaire.
The findings revealed 61 percent of patients had a high score on the questionnaire; these patients had significantly lower levels of kidney function on average than those with lower levels.
"This study shows that a high-risk score for obstructive sleep apnea is common in non-dialysis CKD patients with diabetic nephropathy and is associated with more rapid loss of renal function," the investigators concluded. "This simple approach identifies patients at higher risk of CKD progression."
Currently 26 million American adults suffer from chronic kidney disease, and early detection of the dangerous condition could help prevent it from progressing into kidney failure, the National Kidney Foundation reported. The two main causes of chronic kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure, which are linked to about two-thirds of these cases.
Common symptoms of kidney disease include; fatigue; trouble with concentration; poor appetite; trouble sleeping; swollen feet and ankles; late night muscle cramps; eye puffiness; and dry, itchy skin.
The findings will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2014 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
