| Summary: | Title: Sleep Apnea and Type 2 Diabetes in Two Saskatchewan First Nations Communities Background: There has been a sharp increase in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Saskatchewan. Recent research shows that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and diabetes are interlinked. Information regarding risk factors associated with T2DM among the First Nations communities is scarce. Purpose: The objective was to estimate the current prevalence of T2DM and determine the associations between OSA, established risk factors, and T2DM in two Saskatchewan First Nations communities. Methods: This cross-sectional study is based on the First Nations Sleep Health Project baseline survey data, including 588 participants aged ≥ 18 years in two Saskatchewan First Nations communities. The primary outcome of interest for analysis was T2DM. Independent variables included questions on established risk factors for diabetes, the STOP-BANG questionnaire as a measure of OSA as the primary predictor of T2DM, and other sleep-related variables. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 28. Results: The majority of the participants were female (55.8%), the mean (±SD) age was 40.03 (±15.3) years, and 18.9% reported having T2DM. Multivariable logistic regression results indicated that those having an intermediate risk of OSA (OR=2.26 (1.22-4.18)) and a high risk of OSA (OR=3.70 (1.67-8.18)) compared to low risk were associated significantly with a higher prevalence of T2DM. In addition, the age group 35-50 years (OR=3.56 (1.67-7.59)) and >50 years (OR=3.40 (1.51-7.66)) compared to <35 years, and regular prescription medication use (OR=3.83 (2.02-6.7.29)) for any health condition compared to non-use, increased the risk of T2DM. Conclusion: In two First Nations communities in Saskatchewan, Canada, a significant association was observed between OSA and T2DM. This result suggests the need for intervention by screening for OSA routinely to combat the diabetes burden in these communities. The study recommends further studies to establish the causal ...
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