Diabetes could harm lungs just like smoking

WASHINGTON - People with diabetes may have impaired lung function, which is similar to the impairment found in smokers, according to a recent study.

Researchers from The Netherlands conducted a literature review of 40 studies describing the pulmonary function data of 3,182 patients with diabetes and 27,080 control subjects.

The meta-analysis showed that, in the absence of overt pulmonary disease, diabetes was associated with a modest but statistically significant impairment in lung function in a restrictive pattern.

A sub-analysis revealed that the association seemed more pronounced in type 2 diabetes compared with type 1 diabetes.

Researchers explained that the degree of lung function impairment found in their study closely resembles that of smoking.

They further speculate that diabetes may accelerate lung function decline in those with chronic lung conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The study is published in the August issue of Chest, the peer-reviewed journal of the American College of Chest Physicians. (ANI)