The relationship among obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and obesity is very complex and multi-directional. Obesity and increased visceral fat are important perpetuating factors for DM2 in patients with OSAS. On the other hand, OSAS itself leads to obesity by causing both leptin and insulin resistance as a consequence of activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Risk for developing DM2 further increases in patients with OSAS and obesity. Data regarding effects of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, gold standard treatment for OSAS, on glycemic control were inconsistent due to variability in duration of and adherence to PAP therapy. In our cohort study we investigated effects of PAP treatment on glucose metabolism in normal-weighted non-diabetic OSAS patients, in obese non-diabetic OSAS patients, and in OSAS patients with DM2. We prospectively analyzed 67 patients diagnosed with OSAS and documented to be effectively treated with PAP therapy for three months. Apnea-hypopnea index was highest in the diabetic group, being significantly higher than in the normal-weighted group (p=0.021). Mean HOMA values were significantly higher in obese (p=0.002) and diabetic group (p=0.001) than normal-weighted group; the differences were still significant after PAP therapy. HbA1c levels were significantly higher in diabetic group compared to those in normal-weighted (p=0.012) and obese (p=0.001) groups. After PAP treatment, decrease in HbA1c levels were significant in normal-weighted (p=0.008), obese (p=0.034), and diabetic (p=0.011) groups. There was no correlation with the change in HbA1c levels and age (p=0.212), BMI (p=0.322), AHI (p=0.098) or oxygen levels (p=0.122). Our study showed that treatment of OSAS by PAP therapy offers beneficial effect on glucose metabolism, not only in diabetic patients, but also in obese and normal-weighted OSAS patients. Although data regarding overall effects of PAP therapy on glycemic control present contradictory results in the literature, it should be emphasized that duration and adherence to PAP therapy were main determinants for beneficial outcome of treatment.

[The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus has recently dramatically increased worldwide. While many factors contribute to the startling data, including changes in the diagnostic criteria of glucose intolerance, increase of life expectancy, manifestation of diabetes at younger ages, and increased detection of unrecognized diabetes due to more efficient screening, the genuine, steep rise in the incidence of diabetes is explained by the increasing prevalence of obesity. Among the late complications of both diabetes and obesity, cardiovascular diseases are particularly important. Insulin resistance due to visceral obesity plays a central role in the pathomechanism of type 2 diabetes. In the prevention of both type 2 diabetes and obesity, non-pharmacological intervention such as life style changes should be considered first. Supplementary pharmacological treatment should target all cardiovascular risk factors.]

Metabolic syndrome is constantly discussed, together with cancer diseases, as one of the biggest threats to the 21st century. Despite the differing indicators of specific diseases behind the metabolic syndrome, it is to be understood as a very risky aspect of health. Primary prevention through life style modifications, specifically reduction of the sedentary way of life and integration of regular physical activity into daily life of children, adults and seniors is an appropriate tool of prevention of metabolic syndrome. A number of valid studies show that increasing physical motion contributes to improvement of diseases that stand behind the metabolic syndrome. However, healthy adult population of the Czech Republic shows distinctive dislike of physical activity and primary prevention is insufficiently supported both by experts dealing with this issue and at political level while secondary prevention prevails. Therefore we consider it imperative to involve more funding into programs supporting physical activity. It is also necessary to explore forms of education within the physically active life style.

[INTRODUCTION - Sulfonylureas have become sidelined as second-line preparations as their use has been associated with an increased occurrence of weight gain and hypoglykaemia. In the case reported, however, therapeutic goals have been achieved with the use of gliclazid. CASE REPORT - A 45-year-old man with type 2 diabetes mellitus was using a metformin XR preparation. His HbA1c level was high and his main complaint was distention. His abdominal complaint was also obstructing his diet. Because of the high HbA1c level and overweight I initiated incretin-mimetic treatment. Due to the worsening of abdominal complaints I replaced the treatment with gliclazid, after thoroughly informing the patient. With gliclazid treatment the patient's abdominal complaints subdued, he was able to maintain his diet, lost 14 kg in three months and the parameters of his carbohydrate metabolism normalised. CONCLUSION - In case of abdominal complaints, a repeated anamnesis of the diet can reveal metformin intolerance. In such cases, the use of gliclazid can lead to therapeutic success with no gastrointestinal adverse effects.]