To analyze the association of objective and subjective sleep measures with HbA1c and insulin sensitivity in the general population.

Using a cross-sectional design, data from 1028 participants in the ORISCAV-LUX-2 study from the general population in Luxembourg were analyzed. Objective sleep measures were assessed using accelerometers whereas subjective measures were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. Sleep measures were defined as predictors, while HbA1c and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) scores were considered outcomes. Linear and spline regression models were fitted by progressively adjusting for demographic and lifestyle variables in the total sample population as well as by stratified analyses using gender, obesity status, depressive symptoms and diabetes status.

In fully adjusted models, total and deep sleep durations were associated with lower HbA1c (mmol/mol) levels, whereas sleep coefficients of variation (%) and poor sleep efficiency, as measured by PSQI scores (units), were associated with higher HbA1c levels. In stratified models, such associations were observed mainly in men, and in subjects who had depressive symptoms, were overweight and no diabetes. In addition, total sleep, deep sleep, coefficients of variation and poor sleep efficiency as measured by PSQI revealed non-linear associations. Similarly, greater insulin sensitivity was associated with longer total sleep time and with PSQI-6 (use of sleep medication).

Associations were more frequently observed between sleep characteristics and glycaemic control with the use of objective sleep measures. Also, such associations varied within subgroups of the population. Our results highlight the relevance of measuring sleep patterns as key factors in the prevention of diabetes.