Effect of body mass index on pulmonary function tests among diabetic patients in Manipur

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an important public health problem, where patients do not present with any pulmonary complaints because of large vascular and ventilatory reserve. As obesity is regarded as one of the risk factors leading to diabetes, the present study will try to determine the effect of body mass index (BMI) on pulmonary system. Aim: The present study is aimed to find out the effect of BMI on pulmonary function tests (PFTs) among diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: The study was undertaken in the departments of Physiology and Medicine to determine the effect of BMI on PFTs. Thirty (30) known diabetic patients were recruited from medicine OPD on the basis of guidelines according to American Diabetes Association (ADA) and they were divided into two groups based on their BMI. PFTs were performed using computerized spirometer. Data were entered and analyzed using independent student’s t-test. Results: Patients with higher BMI have reduced values of Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1st sec (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, Forced Expiratory Flow in between 25%-75% (FEF25-75%) compared to those with lower BMI, whereas with higher BMI, Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) was increased. The differences in FEV1, PEFR and FEF25%-75% values among the two groups were found to be significant (p-values are 0.003, 0.05 and 0.026 respectively). Conclusion: Increased BMI can have detrimental effects on pulmonary functions among diabetics. So, early awareness about body weight and prevention strategy would be important steps towards making a diabetes free nation. Keywords: Body Mass Index (BMI), Diabetes Mellitus, Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs).