Asthma and diabetes type 2 and their co-existence: Possible changes in lung function and their importance

The aim of the study is to analyze indicators of lung function in patients with asthma (BA) compared with coexistence of BA and diabetes type 2 (Dt2) and Dt2 alone. Materials and methods 49 patients with non-atopic BA, 62-with atopic BA, 41-with co-existence of BA and Dt2 and 21-with Dt2 were examined.The spirometry and bronchodilation test were performed through the standard procedure. FEV1, FV, FVC were analysed. Results Atopic BA patients with Dt2 and patients with Dt2 alone were characterized by significantly higher levels of glucose (fasting), BMI, compared with BA patients alone. FEV1/VC and FEV1/FVC before and after bronchodilation in patients with Dt2 alone were significantly higher than in patients with BA and BA-Dt2 (p=0,03 and p=0,025)(T-test). In patients with atopic BA in comparison with coexistence of BA and Dt2 these indicators of obstruction were higher (p=0,03 and p=0,025) (T-test). The inverse situation was revealed in patients with non-atopic BA: they were less than in patients with BA-Dt2 co-existence (p=0,05 and p=0,044)(T-test). The significant increase of FEV1/VC after bronchodilation was revealed only in BA patients and with BA-Dt2 co-existence. The FEV1 level was significantly decreased in patients with BA-Dt2 co-existence compared with atopic BA (p=0,039)(Tukie-a.crit.), but not non-atopic BA (p=0,98)(Tukie-a.crit.) and Dt2 (p=0,06)(Tukie-a.crit.). Conclusion Dt2 play probably an important role in worsening of lung function in patients with co-existence of BA and Dt2 and these changes may be probably more important in patients with atopic BA to lead to the worsening of these two diseases in such difficult to treat patients (mainly, BA patients).