There is a common thread to the three of .. hyperviscous blood ..
caused BY erythrocytosis / increased red blood cell production ..
http://www.physorg.com/news161974934.html
Obstructive sleep apnea, retinopathy linked in diabetes
May 19th, 2009 The eyes may be the window into the soul, but they may
also contain important medical information. According to new research
to be presented at the American Thoracic Society’s 105th International
Conference in San Diego on May 19, patients with diabetes who have
retinopathy should also be screened for obstructive sleep apnea
(OSA).
"We know from our earlier research that 23 percent of men with type 2
diabetes have OSA and this is under-recognized and under-treated,"
said Sophie D. West, M.D., of the Oxford Centre for Respiratory
Medicine in the United Kingdom, who led the research. "This study
suggests that OSA is linked to retinopathy in type 2 diabetes."
The researchers analyzed data from 118 men who had participated in the
earlier study on the prevalence of OSA in type 2 diabetes in Oxford,
England, and who also had retinal images to review. (All patients with
type 2 diabetes in the U.K. are offered annual retinal screening to
look for signs of retinopathy.) The images were studied by
ophthalmology graders for evidence of retinopathy and the sleep study
data was reviewed to determine the presence or absence of OSA.
The researchers found that retinopathy was present in more than half—
54 percent—of those who had OSA, compared to fewer than a third—31
percent—of those without OSA, independent of the effects of glucose
control, age, body mass index, high blood pressure and the duration of
the diabetes. This was statistically significant.
"These results suggest an association between OSA and retinopathy that
should be further investigated," said Dr. West. "While the study only
analyzed data from men, there is no reason to believe that gender
would play a role in the results."
There has been very little work previously regarding the relationship
between OSA and retinopathy. Previous studies have found strong links
between poor glucose control and high blood pressure with retinopathy
and these have been the main areas upon which treatment has been
targeted in diabetes in order to prevent retinopathy from developing
and to delay its progression. However, in this study, OSA had a far
stronger relationship with retinopathy than did glucose control or
high blood pressure.
"While there is clearly more research to be done, there is an
immediate implication to consider," said Dr. West. "Our message would
be for doctors and nurses who see patients with type 2 diabetes to
consider whether they could have OSA and whether they should therefore
be referred for a sleep study."
Symptoms of possible OSA include snoring, apneas (stopping breathing)
and daytime sleepiness. "Future research will try to determine whether
the treatment for OSA, that is continuous positive airway pressure
(CPAP), can delay the development or progression of retinopathy,
associated with diabetes."
Source: American Thoracic Society (news : web)
Who loves ya.
Tom
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