Study of pulmonary function tests in insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACT

Thirty patients complaining from insulin dependent diabetes mellitus were selected for the present study. A set of ventilatory lung function parameters was measured in each patient [N=30] and control subjects [N=10] using an electronic spirometer. The studied group showed a highly significant [p<0.001] reduction in SVC, FEV1, FEV1 / FVC, FEF 25-75% and PEFR when compared with control group. The present study showed insignificant difference in the spirometric parameters when diabetic group with duration of diabetes more than 5 years compared with diabetic group with duration of diabetes 5 years or less. Also, insignificant difference were observed in patients with blood glucose level above 200 mg/dl and those with blood glucose below 200 mg/dl. From the present study we concluded that both restrictive and obstructive ventilatory defect were observed in insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. These ventilatory disorders had no relation to both the duration and glycemic control of diabetes We recommend the periodic evaluation of pulmonary function using spirometer in insulin dependent diabetic patients even though not symptomatized and to remember that the base line is not the same as for healthy subjects: