Pulmonary Function in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes With and Without Obesity
Charles F Hayfron-Benjamin1,2,3, Ruth Korkor Tei4, Josephine Korang Osei-Tutu2,5
1Departments of Respiratory and Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
CHEST Pulmonary
|August 4, 2026
Summary
Central obesity, measured by waist circumference, is linked to restrictive lung function in type 2 diabetes (T2D). This finding highlights the importance of managing obesity for respiratory health in T2D patients.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is bidirectionally associated with pulmonary dysfunction.
- Obesity is a potential mediator linking T2D and lung issues, but this relationship requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between obesity measures and pulmonary function in adults with T2D.
- To determine if central obesity (waist circumference) and general obesity (BMI) correlate with specific spirometric patterns.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 464 adults with T2D.
- Spirometry performed following ATS/ERS guidelines; lung function categorized (normal, obstructive, restrictive, mixed).
- Waist circumference (WC) and Body Mass Index (BMI) measured; WC assessed central obesity.
Main Results:
- Increasing WC was a significant predictor of reduced FVC and FEV1/FVC ratio.
- Higher WC z-scores were associated with increased odds of restrictive spirometry, independent of other risk factors.
- BMI showed a significant association with FEV1/FVC ratio but not with restrictive spirometry or airway obstruction.
Conclusions:
- Central obesity, indicated by WC, is independently associated with restrictive lung function in T2D.
- Findings suggest WC is a more significant predictor of restrictive spirometry than BMI in this population.
- Further research on reversing central obesity to improve pulmonary function in T2D is warranted.
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Medical History