Features of clinical and functional parameters in patients with interstitial lung diseases of various origin and diabetes mellitus

Introduction. Diabetes mellitus (DM) remains one of the most prevalent chronic diseases: as of October 2024, more than 5 million patients are registered in the country, predominantly with type 2 DM, while a substantial proportion of cases are identified only through active screening. In addition to traditional target organs, the lungs are considered a potentially vulnerable structure; however, pulmonary involvement in diabetes remains insufficiently studied. Current evidence indicates a higher prevalence of DM among patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, yet the impact of diabetes as an independent condition on the course of ILD remains unclear.

Aim. To determine the clinical and functional characteristics of patients with chronic interstitial lung diseases of various etiologies complicated by diabetes mellitus.

Materials and мethods. A cross-sectional retrospective–prospective cohort study including 126 patients was conducted. The main group (group 1) consisted of 70 patients with ILD and concomitant DM, while the comparison group (group 2) included 56 patients with ILD without diabetes. Inclusion criteria required the presence of DM as an independent disease entity. All patients underwent medical history assessment, radiographic archive analysis, a 6-minute walk test, body plethysmography, and evaluation of diffusing capacity of the lungs.

Results. The groups were comparable in terms of sex, age, and nosological structure. Patients with combined pathology demonstrated longer disease duration, a higher prevalence of dyspnea and weakness, reduced exercise tolerance, more pronounced impairment in FEV₁ and diffusing capacity, and a greater need for intensive therapy.

Conclusions. Diabetes mellitus has an adverse impact on clinical and functional parameters in patients with chronic ILDs.

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