Sleep apnea symptoms, nocturia, and diabetes in African-American community dwelling older adults.

The primary aim of this exploratory study was to examine the association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) symptoms, nocturia and diabetes in African-American community-dwelling older adults. A pencil and paper survey was used to collect symptoms of OSA, nocturia, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), lower urinary tract symptoms (LUT), and self-rated health. The convenience sample of community dwelling African-Americans (n = 87) included a majority of women (61%) and obese persons (60% with BMI > 30). The mean age was 64 years (range 50-91), and 40% were self reported Type 2 diabetics. Diabetics had significantly more OSA symptoms, more nocturia, and decreased self-rated health. Results of a stepwise logistic regression showed that persons with diabetes and those who reported EDS experienced significant three to four-fold risks for OSA. Similarly, diabetics, women, persons with LUT symptoms and those reporting EDS, had significant three to six-fold risks for nocturia > or = 2/night.