Obstructive sleep apnea a synergistic health risk in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional analytical study using STOP-BANG questionnaire in a tertiary care teaching hospital of Eastern Odisha

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is frequently associated with vascular complications and sleep-disordered breathing, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which adversely affects glycemic control. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of OSA among patients with T2DM and to promote awareness among physicians for early detection and improved management. A hospital-based, cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 448 T2DM patients attending the Endocrinology Department of IMS and SUM Hospital, a tertiary care centre in Eastern Odisha, from March to September 2022. OSA risk was assessed using the validated STOP-BANG questionnaire. Categorical variables were analysed using frequency distribution and Chi-square tests. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated, and multivariate logistic regression identified predictors of high OSA risk. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 24.0. Of the 448 participants, 286 (63.8%) were aged > 50 years, 249 (55.6%) were male, and 199 (44.4%) were female. The median STOP-BANG score was 3 (range 0–8), and 61.6% were categorized as high risk for OSA. Significant associations were observed between high OSA risk and obesity, hypertension, large neck and hip circumference, poor glycaemic control, and longer diabetes duration. Multivariate analysis confirmed these as independent predictors of OSA risk. Over half of T2DM patients were at high risk for OSA. Routine OSA screening using simple tools such as STOP-BANG in diabetes clinics is recommended for early screening, better glycaemic control, and reduced cardiovascular morbidity. Hence, using the STOP-BANG questionnaire helps in screening for the risk of OSA in diabetes mellitus, though the gold standard for OSA diagnosis is polysomnography.