Maximal Voluntary Ventilation in Patients with Type I Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

background and study Objectives: Several studies in adults report abnormalities oflung function in patients with diabetes. The objectives of this study are to assess theMaximum Voluntary Ventilation (which is a measure of the mechanical factors ofbreathing) in patients with type I diabetes mellitus and its relation to the duration of diabetes.Patients and methods: 36 patients with a known history of type I DM (26 male, 10 female)with an average age between 16-42 years were enrolled in this study with 38 sex and agematched healthy individuals as a control group. The MVV test was performed in both groupsfor at least 3 times to ensure reproducibility. The study group was subdivided according tothe duration of diabetes into group1 for those < 5 years duration (13 patients), group2 forthose between 5-10 years (11 patients) and group 3 for those > 10 years duration (12patients).Results: mean values of direct Maximal Voluntary Ventilation test was reduced in diabeticpatients compared to their matched controls in all study groups but it was most obvious ingroup 2 and 3 as duration of diabetes increaseConclusion: in patients with type I DM there is impaired mechanical factors of breathingmanifested by increase in airway resistance, reduced compliances or respiratory muscle forceas indicated by reduction in the mean values of direct Maximal Voluntary Ventilation testrelative to their matched controls.