Risk of developing diabetes is inversely related to lung function: a population‐based cohort study

Abstract

Aim To investigate whether reduced lung function is a risk factor for developing diabetes. Methods Non‐diabetic men (n = 382) from the population‐based cohort ‘Men Born in 1914’ were examined with spirometry at age 55 years. The cohort was re‐examined at 68 years. Diabetes and fasting plasma glucose at follow‐up were studied in relation to vital capacity (VC) and forced expiratory volume (FEV_1.0) at baseline. Results Fifteen men developed diabetes during the follow‐up. The percentage with diabetes in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and top quartile of vital capacity were 7%, 5%, 2%, and 1%, respectively (P for trend = 0.01). Fasting glucose (log transformed, mmol/l) at follow‐up was 1.63 ± 0.16, 1.62 ± 0.18, 1.61 ± 0.11 and 1.60 ± 0.11, respectively (P for trend = 0.11). The longitudinal associations between VC and diabetes (P = 0.001) and log glucose (P = 0.036) were significant after adjustments for several potential confounders. FEV_1.0 at baseline showed similar associations with diabetes at follow‐up. Conclusions The risk of developing diabetes is inversely associated with pulmonary function among middle‐aged men.