Diabetic lung, an underrated complication from restrictive functional pattern to pulmonary hypertension

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Endocrinology
• Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with various systemic complications.
• Respiratory abnormalities, including altered lung volumes and impaired diffusing capacity, are increasingly reported in patients with DM.
• Emerging evidence suggests a connection between DM and pulmonary hypertension (PH).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the primary respiratory system derangements observed in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms contributing to these respiratory complications in DM.
• To discuss the implications of DM-related lung changes and the link to pulmonary hypertension.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating respiratory function in diabetic patients.
• Analysis of data on lung volumes, diffusing capacity, ventilation control, and bronchial innervation in DM.
• Examination of evidence linking DM to pulmonary vascular changes and PH.

Main Results:

• Patients with DM exhibit abnormalities in lung volumes and pulmonary diffusing capacity.
• Alterations in ventilation control, bronchomotor tone, and neuroadrenergic bronchial innervation are noted.
• A significant association exists between DM and pulmonary hypertension, involving pulmonary vascular structures.

Conclusions:

• The lungs are recognized as a target organ in diabetes mellitus.
• Respiratory complications in DM have significant clinical implications.
• Understanding these derangements is crucial for comprehensive diabetes management and patient care.