Correlation of glycemic control and BMI with pulmonary function test in Type-2 diabetes mellitus – A cross-sectional case–control study

Background: Type-2 diabetes mellitus is related to decreased lung function. Prolonged inadequate control of glucose levels may alter regulation of inflammatory pathways that are implicated in pulmonary function complications. Aim and Objectives: The objjectives of the study were to assess the relationship of pulmonary function test (PFT) with factors influencing glycemic status in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: A total of 110 diabetic cases with uncontrolled blood sugar levels and similar number age- and gender-matched control subjects above 30 years of age were recruited. Sociodemographic details were collected and participants underwent laboratory ad radiological investigations. PFTs including Forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), forced expired volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced expiratory flow (FEF 25–75%), and FEV1/FVC ratio were assessed. Results: The comparison of PFTs with levels of HbA1c (<7 and >7) showed that the levels of FVC, PEFR, FEV1, and FEF 25–75% were higher in diabetics with HbA1c <7 and FEV1/FVC ratio was high in diabetic cases with HbA1c >7. The mean difference of PFT with HbA1c and body mass index (BMI) was statistically not significant in diabetics (P > 0.05). The person’s correlation analysis showed a negative correlation between FVC, FEV1 with HbA1c, and BMI in diabetics. Conclusion: Uncontrolled glycemic status and increased BMI were associated with functional impairment of lungs. Organized glycemic control and duly checking the PFTs may reduce the risk of onset of respiratory complications and lung function.