Obstructive sleep apnoea is common in type 2 diabetes and, as today's DCCT/EDIC data suggest, in older people with type 1 too. It is easy to miss because patients rarely raise it.
Think of it in resistant hypertension, nocturia, morning headache, unexplained fatigue, or a partner reporting snoring and pauses in breathing. STOP-Bang takes under a minute and is a reasonable screen. Untreated apnoea matters for driving safety, blood pressure and atrial fibrillation risk.
- Ask the partner, if present, about loud snoring and pauses in breathing
- Think of sleep apnoea in resistant hypertension, nocturia or morning headache
- Use STOP-Bang; a score of 3 or more is a reason to refer for a sleep study
- Ask about drowsy driving, and advise on safety while the diagnosis is pending
Why it matters
A one-minute question finds a condition that affects blood pressure, rhythm and road safety.
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