Exploring the cardiometabolic profile of Emirati adults at risk for obstructive sleep apnea: findings from the UAE healthy future study
Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a significant contributor to cardiometabolic diseases, yet its burden and metabolic consequences remain underexplored in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Additionally, little is known about how OSA risk relates to early metabolic and renal abnormalities in young adults. This study evaluated the association between OSA risk and a comprehensive profile of cardiometabolic and renal biomarkers in a large cohort of young Emirati adults. Methods This cross-sectional study included 5,242 participants from the UAE Healthy Future Study. OSA risk was assessed using the STOP-Bang questionnaire and classified as no-to-low (score 0–2) or intermediate-to-high (score ≥3). Biomarkers assessed included HbA1c, lipid profile, ApoA, ApoB, C-reactive protein (CRP), serum creatinine, and urine microalbumin. Group differences were examined using t-tests and χ2 tests. Multivariable linear regression models adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical covariates were used to assess associations between OSA risk and biomarker levels. Sensitivity analyses were conducted excluding participants with diabetes or dyslipidaemia. Results The mean age was 27.5 years, and 30% of participants were classified as intermediate-to-high OSA risk. The intermediate-to-high OSA risk group exhibited greater adiposity, higher blood pressure, and more adverse cardiometabolic profiles than the no-to-low risk group. After adjustment, intermediate-to-high OSA risk was associated with elevated HbA1c (β = 0.18%, 95% CI: 0.14–0.23), higher total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, and ApoB, and lower HDL-C and ApoA (all p < 0.001). Inflammatory and renal markers were similarly elevated, including CRP (β = 0.14 mg/dL, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.18), serum creatinine (β = 0.11 mg/dL, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.13), and urine microalbumin (β = 3.61 mg/dL, 95% CI: 1.64, 5.60). Sex-stratified analyses showed higher median blood pressure and creatinine in males, and higher HDL-C and CRP in females. Sensitivity analyses produced consistent results for most biomarkers, except for urine microalbumin, which became non-significant. Conclusions Elevated OSA risk was consistently associated with adverse cardiometabolic and renal profiles in young adults. These findings suggest that STOP-Bang may serve as a useful screening tool for early risk detection, warranting validation in longitudinal studies.