Socio-Demographics, Adiposity Indices and Pulmonary Function in Type II Diabetic Patients in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Diabetes results to multi-organ damage most especially highly vascularized organs. It has been shown in various studies that type II diabetic patients have significantly lower pulmonary functions. This study was conducted to find the relationship between the various correlates (age, BMI, WHR, % body fat, duration of diabetes mellitus, fasting blood glucose level, waist-circumference and hip circumference) and pulmonary function in type II diabetic patients. Methods: The study was conducted in the out-patient diabetic clinic in Enugu State University of Technology Teaching Hospital (ESUTH). A total of 122 type II diabetic patients comprises 90 females (73.8%) and 32 males (26.2%) were recruited after meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Pulmonary function test was performed using Comrec60 spirometer in accordance with the “National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)” Spirometry procedure (2008) while the bioelectrical impedance device was used to estimate body fat. Statistical test tools employed in this study included: descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis. Results: The mean age of the participants was 60.09 ± 10.13. Correlation was statistically significant between age, BMI, WC, HC, WHR and pulmonary function. Predictor of Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) was age, forced expiratory volume in one second (kg/m²) and Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) were predicted by age and BMI, and kg/m² /FVC was predicted by waist-circumference. Conclusions: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that affects the lungs causing restrictive ventilation. Age is a predictor for kg/m², FVC, PEF but kg/m²/FVC. The reduction in pulmonary function is evident as age increases in type II diabetic patients. Routine monitoring of the pulmonary function of type II diabetic patients should be included in the health management policy and the consistently lowered spirometric values shows restrictive ventilation. Hence, regular breathing exercises should be strongly encouraged for Type II diabetic patients. Disclosures: Self-Funded Ethical Approval: Health Research Ethical Committee, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital.