Exploring The Links Between Type 2 Diabetes And Lung Function

Mar, 2023 - By SMI

A long-term complication of diabetes mellitus, more prospective studies in larger populations should be carried out using advanced techniques to determine the exact pathophysiology for decreased pulmonary functions in diabetes mellitus. 

It is well-accepted that diabetes mellitus (DM) is a hyperglycemic illness that causes various macrovascular and microvascular issues. Target physiological systems for the harmful consequences of hyperglycemia include the intrinsic pathways, the visual system, the central nervous system, and the cardiovascular system. The respiratory system hasn't gotten much attention as a possible target for hyperglycemia's negative consequences up until now. Recent studies, however, have indicated a connection between type 2 diabetes and lung function. To fully comprehend the mechanisms underlying this link, more investigation is required. 

The study included 125 participants with type 2 diabetes and a sizable number of non-diabetic patients who matched the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were comparable in age and gender to study participants. The RMS Helios 401 computerized spirometer used to evaluate lung function. 

The findings of this study supported those of Lange et al., who discovered that there was a significant decline in lung function in diabetic subjects when compared to control and that this decline was more pronounced in subject areas treated with insulin than in treated patients with oral hypoglycemic medications or diet.

According to the scientists' observations of the subjects' respiratory patterns, the subjects in the diabetic group typically had a restrictive pattern of lung function in contrast to the subjects in the control group, who tended to have a normal process of lung function. A mixed pattern was also present in 8.9% of the cases.

The findings of this study supported those of Lange et al., who discovered that there was a significant decline in lung function in diabetic subjects when compared to control subjects and that this decline was more pronounced in subjects treated with insulin than in subjects treated with oral hypoglycemic medications and/or diet.