Background: Pulmonary complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) have been poorly characterized. A reduction in lung capacity has been reported previously in diabetics. We undertook a study to check the association between pulmonary function tests in type 2 DM. Also to determine their correlations with body mass index (BMI), glycemic control and other clinically evident complications like peripheral neuropathy.
Methods: The study was conducted at tertiary care BYL Nair hospital, Mumbai where diabetic patients without any hypertension, cardiovascular disease, primary respiratory abnormalities and without any microangiopathic complications were enrolled. They were clinically evaluated for pulse, blood pressure, skin changes, BMI and various biochemical investigations. Blood sugar- fasting and post prandial, serum cholesterol, serum triglyceride, urinary proteins, electrocardiograph, X- ray chest were noted. Pulmonary function test was performed by spirometry. Peripheral neuropathy was looked for an association with pulmonary function tests (PFT).
Results: Out of 200 patients 68% (136) patients had normal PFT, mild obstruction 10.0% (20), mild restriction 10% (20) moderate obstruction 2% (4), moderate restriction 4% (8) and mixed 6% (12) were noted. FEV1, FVC values were statistically significantly reduced in patients with peripheral neuropathy and FEV1/FVC % significantly decreased with increasing duration of diabetes.
Conclusions: The present study shows that there is a statistically significant association between PFTs and type 2 DM in Indian patients. Pathologically it may be attributed to microangiopathic complications.