What is Metabolic Syndrome?
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High blood pressure: blood pressure of 130 mmHg (upper value) and/or 85 mmHg (lower value) and above.
- High blood sugar: fasting blood sugar level equal to or greater than 100 mg/dL. A value between 100 and 125 mg/dL indicates prediabetes. A value above 125 mg/dL likely indicates type 2 diabetes.
- Hypertriglyceridemia: triglyceride level equal to or greater than 150 milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL)
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Excess belly fat: waist circumference greater than 102 cm in men and 89 cm in women
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Abnormal cholesterol levels: HDL cholesterol level below 40 mg/dL in men or below 50 mg/dL in women.
>>> The Link Between Obesity and Sleep Apnoea: Causes & Treatments
What are 5 symptoms of metabolic syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome often has no obvious symptoms, which is why it frequently goes undiagnosed. It is diagnosed when a person has at least three of the following five risk factors:
A large waistline — excess fat around the abdomen.
High blood pressure.
High fasting blood sugar.
High triglyceride levels.
Low HDL ("good") cholesterol.
Some people may notice signs related to high blood sugar — such as increased thirst, frequent urination, tiredness, or blurred vision — but many have no symptoms at all. Because of this, regular check-ups with your doctor are the best way to detect metabolic syndrome early.
The connection between metabolic syndrome and sleep apnoea
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome and Metabolic Diseases
Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS), especially in the context of morbid obesity, is closely linked to a range of metabolic disturbances. One such condition is obesity hypoventilation syndrome, often accompanied by OSAS. Affected individuals typically experience excessive daytime sleepiness and loud snoring, along with clinical signs like cyanosis, rales, right heart strain, and elevated neck circumference. These patients exhibit daytime hypercapnia and hypoxemia and often have coexisting conditions such as hypertension and insulin resistance.
Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome may significantly contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome by activating sympathetic pathways, increasing leptin and aldosterone, promoting insulin resistance, and inducing oxidative stress. These shared mechanisms also increase cardiovascular disease risks
Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and Metabolic Syndrome
Severe sleep apnoea is often associated with metabolic syndrome traits such as high blood pressure, elevated fasting glucose, abdominal obesity, low HDL, and high triglycerides. These patients may also show increased inflammatory markers like TNF-alpha and IL-6, as well as insulin resistance. A positive correlation has been found between sleep apnoea severity and markers such as body fat, glucose, leptin, and uric acid.
Sleep Apnoea and Metabolic Syndrome treatments
Lifestyle Changes
Healthy lifestyle involves a low-calorie diet and regular physical exercise. It is highly recommended for all obese OSA patients, regardless of severity. Meta-analysis shows that lifestyle changes can significantly reduce blood pressure, fasting glucose, and waist circumference, contributing to a lower risk of MetS.
CPAP for the Metabolic Syndrome with OSA
Upper Airway Surgery
Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD)
MAD is a dental device used primarily in patients with mild to moderate OSA. It works by advancing the lower jaw to prevent airway obstruction during sleep.
>>> Learn more right here: The Role of Diet in Sleep Quality
FAQs
How does obesity affect sleep apnoea?
Obesity is the most important risk factor for the development of OSA. According to the results of several large-scale epidemiological studies, 58% of moderate and severe OSA cases are related to obesity.
Can sleep apnoea cause metabolic syndrome?
Yes, patients with OSA have higher blood pressure, higher fasting insulin levels, greater insulin resistance, lower high-density lipoprotein levels, and a higher incidence of metabolic syndrome.
How to break metabolic syndrome?
Changing your lifestyle to improve your heart health is the first choice for treating metabolic syndrome. You may need to see a dietitian and a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist to find a diet and exercise programme that is right for you. If lifestyle changes do not produce results, you may need medication or weight loss surgery.
