Authors (including presenting author) :
Hui PSG(1), Young HKB(1), Kwok CYI(2), Yan KS(1), Wong YSF(1), Cheung TK(2)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Medicine & Rehabilitation, Tung Wah Eastern Hospital, (2)Department of Clinical Psychology, Tung Wah Eastern Hospital
Keyword 5: :
Metabolic dysregulation
Keyword 6: :
Diabetes management
Introduction :
Insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea are prevalent sleep disorders, and their coexistence termed comorbid insomnia and obstructive sleep apnoea (COMISA), poses significant health risks. These sleep disturbances are increasingly recognised yet underexplored health concerns among patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Despite the growing evidence linking sleep disorder to metabolic dysregulation, the impact on the Chinese T2DM population remains understudied.
Objectives :
To access the service need and explore interventions to improve sleep quality and glucose control in T2DM patients with sleep disorders.
Methodology :
A sleep disorder screening was conducted using three validated questionnaires— STOP-Bang, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Questionnaires were distributed to 18-75 years old T2DM patients attending follow-up nurse appointments at the TWEH DM Centre between February 17 and October 24, 2025. Inclusion criteria were ISI greater than or equalled to 8, or STOP-Bang greater than or equalled to 3 with ESS greater than or equalled to 9. Patients who primarily diagnosed OSA were excluded after screening.
Result & Outcome :
Of 1128 respondents, 629 (56%) were adults aged 18-64 years old, 499 (44%) were elderly aged 65-75 years old, 459 (41%) were female, and 669 (59%) were male. Among 1128 respondents, 652 (58%) were screened positive for potential sleep disorders. Prevalence of sleep complaints where ISI greater than or equalled to 8 was 455 (40%), suspected OSA where STOP-Bang greater than or equalled to 3 & ESS greater than or equalled to 9 was 197 (17%), and COMISA where both criteria were met was 127 (11%). A high prevalence of insomnia and COMISA was observed in T2DM patients at TWEH, highlighting a substantial burden for sleep disorder management in this population. Sleep disorder screening could be integrated into diabetes management, allowing for early diagnosis and improving patient outcomes.
