Muscle grip strength is associated to reduced pulmonary capacity in patients with diabetes

Abstract

AimThis study investigates the role of muscle strength as a predictive factor for reduced pulmonary function in diabetes. MethodsData from the NHANES 2011–2012 were analyzed. Lung function was assessed with spirometry (FEV1, FVC). Diabetes was assessed with an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), or fasting plasma glucose (FPG). Muscle strength was measured by a grip test using a handgrip dynamometer. ResultsA total of 3521 people were suitable to be included for analysis in this study. Lung function was reduced in diabetes—after adjustment for covariates, the impact of diabetes on FVC was estimated as −331mL (SE 48) for known diabetes and −282mL (SE 41) for undiagnosed diabetes (P<0.001). Grip strength was also reduced in diabetes. After adjustment for covariates, the impact of diabetes was estimated as −5.9kg (SE 0.8) for known diabetes (P<0.001). An association between lung capacity and grip strength in people with known diabetes was observed (R=0.7, P<0.001). The adjusted impact on FVC from grip strength was estimated as 13.1mL (SE 3.4) per kg (P<0.001). ConclusionsMuscle strength appears to be reduced in people with known diabetes, and this seems to affect the respiratory muscles as an independent factor.