Indoor incense burning and impaired lung function in patients with diabetes

While recent studies have indicated a potential link between incense burning and respiratory diseases, there is a lack of data specifically focused on diabetic patients. To explore the relationship between indoor incense burning and impaired lung function among Chinese individuals with diabetes, a comprehensive cross-sectional study was undertaken, enrolling 431 adults diagnosed with diabetes. Information on incense burning and characteristics was collected using a structured questionnaire. The outcome of the study, impaired lung function, was assessed using spirometry. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed. In the fully adjusted model, participants exposed to indoor incense burning exhibited 130% higher odds of impaired lung function compared to those not exposed, as indicated by an odds ratio (OR) of 2.3 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.97, 5.16; P = 0.05). Notably, this association was statistically significant only in men (OR = 3.39; 95%CI: 1.07, 9.82; P = 0.03). Our study has elucidated an association between exposure to indoor incense burning and impaired lung function in individuals with diabetes, independently of demographic factors. These findings underscore the importance of considering indoor environmental factors, such as incense burning, in the comprehensive management and care of diabetic individuals.