At Persante, we know that millions of people in the US are suffering from OSA without a proper diagnosis, and we are working diligently to bridge this gap.
Approximately 6 million Americans have an official diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). In reality, OSA likely affects more than 40 million people across the nation, and this number is increasing.
We consider this hidden prevalence a major public health concern. Untreated OSA degrades other organ systems, and can lead to or worsen diseases like:
- Type 2 diabetes
- According to the CDC, 7 out of 10 people with type 2 diabetes also have OSA, and the severity of the sleep disorder directly impacts diabetes symptoms. Treating OSA immediately improves night time glucose control and insulin sensitivity
- Hypertension and heart failure
- Between 30% and 40% of adults with hypertension also have sleep apnea. Adhering to sleep apnea treatments is a proven means of decreasing blood pressure and improving cardiovascular disease
- Stroke
- Over 50% of people with OSA also have irregular heart rhythms, which puts these people at high risk of stroke. OSA treatment regulates the heart’s electrical activity
- Obesity
- 86% of adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes also have OSA. Treating sleep disorders helps improve metabolic function and balances hormones that regulate hunger.
The link between OSA and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases is inextricable yet millions of people and their providers continue to skip the sleep-quality conversation. Improving access to sleep screenings and optimizing diagnostic studies can lessen this diagnostic gap, and we can help your business do both.
Reference: Apr, and Sara Berg. “What Doctors Wish Patients Knew about Sleep Apnea.” American Medical Association, 1 Apr. 2022.
