PULMONARY-FUNCTION IN INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES-MELLITUS WITH LIMITED JOINT MOBILITY

Abstract

Patients with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and limited joint mobility (LJM) were studied to determine if altered respiratory mechanics were another manifestation of a generalized disturbance in collagen metabolism. Lung volumes and maximal expiratory flow volume curves were measured in 23 patients with IDDM. Patients were divided into 2 groups: 11 without LJM and 12 with severe LJM. The groups were matched for age, sex and glycemic control but not for IDDM duration. In patients with severe LJM, forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Total lung capacity (TLC), thoracic gas volume (TGV) at functional residual capacity (FRC) and residual volume (RV) were also significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the severe LJM group. There was no evidence of air-flow obstruction in either group. An association between severe LJM and a significant decrease in lung volumes was demonstrated, possibly due to decreased lung compliance or chest wall expansion restriction.