Pulmonary function in patients with diabetes mellitus

The present study was carried out to assess the lung functions in oral medicated and insulin administered patients with normal controls. 20 subjects were selected as the study group for oral medication (Group I), 20 subjects were selected as the study group for insulin treatment (Group II) and 40 subjects were selected as normal controls. Age group of Group I and Group II were 51.25 +/- 6.28 and 50.8 +/- 6.56 respectively and controls were age and height matched. Seventeen patients of Group I were undergoing treatment for the last 10-20 years and 20 patients in Group II were undergoing treatment for the last 30 years. Only male subjects were selected for the study. Lung function test were carried out with Spirometer (Vitallograph Compact II). A significant reduction in forced expiratory volume/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC%) was observed in oral pills used subjects and insulin administered subjects as compared to controls. Significant decrease in forced expiratory flow rate (FEF25-75%) in group I subjects was also observed as compared to controls. Forced mid flow time (FMFT) showed a significant increase in group II in comparison to controls. These changes clearly show the expiratory flow rates are reduced both in orally medicated and insulin administered patients. Increase in FMFT in group I may be due to the reduced respiratory ability to carry out the FVC test along with the side effects of oral medication for diabetes mellitus.