Detection of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Detection of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are interrelated conditions with significant impacts on quality of life and mortality. Diabetes mellitus can exacerbate pulmonary function decline in patients with pulmonary disease through systemic inflammation and impaired metabolic control. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes mellitus and its clinical-laboratory features among diabetic patients. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months at the Pulmonology Department of Gulab Devi Hospital, Lahore. A total of 250 diabetic patients aged 35 to 60 years, with at least 5 to 10 years of DM history, were selected through convenience sampling. Written informed consent was taken from patients. In the Pulmonology ward, the features of patients run as follows: gender, age, Diabetes, etc. Data was collected from different patients and samples for different tests were also taken. Data was also extracted from medical records, including patient demographics, medical history, laboratory results, imaging studies, treatment interventions, and in-hospital outcomes. Data collection tools included fasting and random blood sugar tests, HbA1C, arterial blood gas analysis, and spirometry. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, employing descriptive statistics and the chi-square test (p≤0.05).  Results: The participants were 47.78±7.39 years old, with the mean chronic obstructive pulmonary disease duration equaling 4.84±2.93 years and average DM duration equaling 7.42±1.69 years. According to spirometry, 35.6% of the patients had mild airflow obstruction, 32.4% moderate, and 32.0% severe. This analysis showed that 36.8% of the patients had low oxygen levels according to the arterial blood gas levels. Significant associations were found between glycemic control and pulmonary function (χ²=0.001). Conclusion: The study established a significant association between poor glycemic control and impaired pulmonary function in diabetic patients. Early diagnosis and integrated management of diabetes mellitus and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are crucial to mitigating disease progression.