Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Circulating Potassium Channel Levels.

Background: Cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death are more frequent in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is associated with QT prolongation, and QT prolongation is an independent risk factor for sudden cardiac death. Because QT prolongation can be mediated by potassium channel loss of function, we tested whether OSA or continuous positive airway pressure therapy altered mRNA expression of circulating white blood cell potassium channels.

Sleep Apnea in Type 2 Diabetes.

IN BRIEF Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) alters glucose metabolism, promotes insulin resistance, and is associated with development of type 2 diabetes. Obesity is a key moderator of the effect of OSA on type 2 diabetes. However, chronic exposure to intermittent hypoxia and other pathophysiological effects of OSA affect glucose metabolism directly, and treatment of OSA can improve glucose homeostasis.