Correlates of Abnormal Pulmonary Function Tests in Persons with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: This study was conceived to determine the ventilatory pattern of patients with diabetes as well as the effect of body mass index, age, glycosylated haemoglobin, duration of diabetes and blood glucose levels on their pulmonary functions. Method: Two hundred persons with type 2 DM who consented and met inclusion criteria were recruited. The pulmonary function test was carried out using the Spirotrac intuitive version V spirometer made by Vitalograph. This was done according to standard guidelines. Statistic tests employed include Students’ test, correlation coefficient analysis and binary logistic regression. Result: Mean age of the Study participants was 59.6 ± 11.30 years, with more than half 114(57%) of the Diabetics having abnormal ventilatory pattern with 76(38%) having restrictive defect. We noted significant associations between Age (r= -28, p=000), duration of DM (r=-15, p=034) and lung function. A possible predictor of abnormal pulmonary function test was the presence of hypertension (Odds ratio=0.39, p= 0.009). Conclusion: We have reported that Restrictive lung function defect is common among patients with diabetes mellitus and non-modifiable clinical parameters are associated with lung function abnormalities in this group of patients. The significant findings of this study: Restrictive lung function defect is the predominant abnormality of pulmonary function in persons with type 2 DM. This Study adds: Hypertension in the presence of type 2 DM is a potential risk factor for the development of abnormal lung function in this group of patients.