Association of respiratory muscle strength with glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, duration of disease, and physical activity levels in patients with type 2 diabetes: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

CONTEXT: Type 2 diabetes is a systemic disorder that propagates several pathological processes leading to a plethora of complications including those on skeletal muscle strength and lung function.AIMS: This study aims to evaluate the association of glycemic control, duration of disease, and physical activity level on respiratory muscle strength (RMS).SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient department setting after approval from the institutional ethics committee.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level of recruited participants was recorded from a recent laboratory test and they were interviewed with the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA) tool to obtain their current physical activity levels. The evaluation of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) was performed using the MicroRespiratory Pressure Meter (MicroRPM) device.STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) was calculated for the RMS variables (MIP and MEP) against HbA1c, duration of disease, and RAPA Score.RESULTS: Twenty-six participants were evaluated. Significant correlations were found HbA1c with MIP (r = −0.45, P = 0.02) and RAPA Score with MIP (r = 0.42, P = 0.03) at P < 0.05.CONCLUSIONS: Inspiratory muscle strength is well associated with glycemic control and physical activity of the individual.