The relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and intra-epidermal nerve fiber density, PARP activation and foot ulceration in patients with type 2 diabetes

OSA is associated with lower IENFD, PARP activation and DFU in patients with type 2 diabetes. Our findings suggest that OSA is associated with small fiber neuropathy. PARP activation is a potential mechanisms linking OSA to DPN and endothelial dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes. Whether OSA treatment will have a favorable impact on these parameters and DFU requires interventional studies.