Currently, there is no convincing evidence of respiratory failure in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and coronary artery disease (CAD). Aim: To evaluate the differences in the main parameters of pulmonary function in patients with isolated type 2 diabetes and diabetic patients with CAD.
Materials and methods: Patients with diabetes were allocated to two groups depending to the presence of CAD. The assessment of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, as well as the measurement of inflammatory markers were performed using standard methods of clinical and biochemical analysis. Respiratory function and diffusion capacity of the lungs (DLCO) were assessed using a body plethysmograph Elite Dl-220v.
Results: Main pulmonary functional test parameters were within normal values, except residual volume in diabetic patients. Patients with concomitant CAD demonstrated lower values of the studied parameters compared to non-diabetic ones. A number of volume and flow rate parameters as well as DLCO correlated with systemic inflammation, decompensation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and duration of diabetes.
Conclusion: Diabetic patients with CAD suffered from respiratory failure, manifested as decline in pulmonary function and DLCO. Blood glucose levels, inflammation symptoms, dyslipidemia and myocardial dysfunction are among suspected causes contributing to the development and acceleration of this decline.