Is Nitric oxide the missing link in glucose homeostasis? A study on correlation of Nitric oxide and Insulin Resistance in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Nitric oxide is associated with glucose homeostasis. An independent relationship between Nitric oxide and insulin resistance in Prediabetic and Obstructive sleep apnea patients without pre-existing diabetes mellitus are equivocally linked to increased risk of type II diabetes. A reciprocal relationship seems to exist between nitric oxide and insulin resistance. Aim of this present study is to determine relationship between nitric oxide and glucose parameters in control, prediabetic and Obstructive sleep apnea. A cross sectional study was performed in 150. They were divided into, group I (control), group II (prediabetics) and group III (OSA). Fasting blood sugar (FBS), fasting insulin, HbA1c and nitric oxide were measured in these subjects and insulin resistance calculated by HOMA-IR. Data was analyzed statistically using Pearson’s correlation coefficient analysis, the significant value being P<0.05. Negative correlation was observed between the NO and insulin resistance in prediabetic (r=-0.627, P =<0.001) and OSA (r= -0.416, P=0.003) respectively. Nitric oxide is significantly inversely associated with insulin resistance in Prediabetic and Obstructive sleep apnea.