Background:
Diabetes is an important public health problem and considering the extent of the aftermath following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of each disease on lung function individually and also to assess how both the disease entities together in combination affect the lungs.
Methods:
This observational study included adult patients below the age of 60 years with complaints of fatigue. Included patients were assessed for their basic demographics and history of COVID-19 pneumonia. For those diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM), the duration of DM and HbA1C were noted. For all included patients, spirometry was performed. Results were statistically analyzed.
Results:
Comparing the spirometry measures of DM patients with and without a history of COVID-19 pneumonia, the mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, and forced expiratory flow (FEF) 25%–75% for DM patients with COVID-19 pneumonia history was significantly lower than DM patients without a history of COVID-19 pneumonia (P < 0.0001). Comparing the spirometry measures of patients (DM vs. non-DM) with a history of COVID-19 pneumonia, the mean FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, and FEF 25%–75% for DM patients with COVID-19 pneumonia history was significantly lower than non-DM patients (P < 0.0001).
Conclusion:
Considering the high burden of the diabetic population and the extent of the pandemic’s aftermath, clinicians should be aware of this and aim to optimize control of blood glucose levels in uncontrolled diabetics with a history of COVID-19 to prevent the deterioration of lung function.
