Continuous positive airway pressure to improve insulin resistance and glucose homeostasis in sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a relatively common disorder in the adult population. It is associated with alterations in glucose metabolism and increases the risk for diabetes mellitus. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the treatment of choice for OSAS. It may also have a favorable effect on insulin resistance and glucose metabolism, although relevant data is conflicting. Additional research is still needed to fully establish the effect of CPAP on glucose homeostasis. It should ascertain which patients may benefit most and how long treatment takes to induce favorable changes. Finally, patient compliance is being appreciated as a major factor influencing therapeutic outcomes, and this needs to be further examined.