Abstract
Early investigations of lung functions in diabetics have been poorly characterized . Although some results suggest that the lung is a target organ of diabetes. Some authors have reported normal pulmonary functions , others noticed only decrease in diffusion capacity with normal spirometry study. The aim of this study was to assess the nature of pulmonary dysfunction in type II diabetes and their relation to diabetic factors. 40 patients with non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus were included. They were divided into two groups: Group (I): 20 patients with type II diabetes mellitus with neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy alone or in combination. Group (II:) 20 patients with type II diabetes mellitus without any complications. We measured HBA1C. Lipid profile, ventilatory function tests. lung diffusion(DLco) , alveolar volume(AV), total lung capacity(TLC) and maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures. DLco and AV had been significantly reduced either in supine or setting positions in group I as compared to group II. Same results were also for TLC. No significant differences were detected between the two groups as regards the ventilatory functions. The decreased level of DLco in group I was statistically correlated with the level of microalbuminuria, grades of retinopathy and percentage of HBA1C.From this study, we concluded that the lung could be considered as a site of microangiopathy in complicated diabetes where diffusion is affected.