Background: Diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1) is a chronic autoimmune disease associated with micro- and macrovascular complications that may affect multiple organs, especially the kidneys and eyes. Its impact on the pulmonary system and pulmonary function is not clearly studied but is receiving attention in recent studies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of DM1 on pulmonary function among children and young adolescents.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus underwent pulmonary function testing (PFT). Respiratory function parameters were compared in well-controlled vs. poorly controlled diabetic children.
Results: Our findings showed that pulmonary function in DM1 patients was generally within normal ranges, with no significant differences based on A1C levels, Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) frequency, or diabetes duration. A direct relationship was detected between weight Z-scores and both forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) and forced vital capacity (FVC) indices; however, this association was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: Normal FEV₁ and FVC levels indicate that DM1 does not significantly impair pulmonary function. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longitudinal investigations are suggested. So, we cannot suggest pulmonary function testing as a routine screening test for diabetic children.