Beyond blood sugar: the critical link between lung functions and glycemic control in type 2 diabetes

Background Globally, and particularly in emerging nations, the proportion of individuals suffering from diabetes is growing significantly. Many organs, including the heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes, are impacted by this illness. Objective To study the impact of glycemic control in T2DM subjects on their pulmonary functions. Methods A case control study including 100 individuals with type II diabetes who were receiving oral hypoglycemic drugs (group A) and 100 healthy, matched subjects as a control (group B). History of DM, including its duration and course of treatment. Spirometry, DLCO, and lung volumes together with FBS, RBS, and HBA1C testing were done among the included subjects. Results A significant variance existed between group A and group B regarding FEV1/FVC%, FEF 25–75%, DLCO, and lung volume parameters ( p < .001). Group A exhibited a diverse spirometry pattern. Fifty subjects had normal spirometry; 23 subjects had obstructive patterns, while 27 subjects had restrictive patterns. Correlations were non-significant between glycolic control variables, duration of DM and FVC%, and FEV1%, while a significant negative correlation was observed with FEV1/FVC and FEF 25–75%. Both DLCO and most of the lung volume data showed significant correlations with the glycemic-control results ( p < .001). However, correlations were statistically non-significant with RV, FRC%, and IC. Conclusion T2DM is associated with a spectrum of pulmonary function abnormalities, including both obstructive and restrictive patterns, even in the absence of overt respiratory disease.