Abstract
Background
Diabetes is a global public health issue commonly associated with various complications, including impaired lung function. Existing studies suggest that the relationship between diabetes and lung function varies significantly across age, racial, and gender groups. However, specific differences in lung function within these demographic characteristics have not been thoroughly investigated. This study aims to explore lung function disparities among diabetic patients using data from the 2009–2012 NHANES.
Methods
Data from 2009–2012 NHANES were analyzed, including 8087 participants with valid physical measurements and lung function data, of which 984 were diabetic. Multivariate linear regression was employed to assess the effects of factors such as age, gender, race, BMI, and smoking on lung function indicators (peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and forced vital capacity (FVC)). Additionally, lung function was compared between male diabetic patients with different testosterone levels and postmenopausal female diabetic patients using hormone therapy.
Results
The study found significant disparities in lung function among diabetic patients across different racial, age, and gender groups. Specifically, in terms of race, Black diabetic patients exhibited poorer lung function compared to White and Mexican American patients, particularly in FEV1 and FVC indices. Regarding age, participants under 50 showed higher PEF, FEV1, and FVC than those over 50. Gender-wise, males had higher PEF, FEV1, and FVC than females. Male diabetic patients with testosterone levels ≥ 16 ng/dL had significantly better lung function indicators than those with testosterone levels < 16 ng/dL, notably in FEV1 and FVC (P < 0.001). Postmenopausal female diabetic patients using hormone therapy showed significant improvement in lung function. Specifically, those using estrogen and progesterone therapy exhibited marked improvement in FVC (P = 0.024).
Conclusion
This study reveals significant impacts of gender, race, and hormone levels on lung function among diabetic patients, providing new insights for personalized treatment. Male patients and postmenopausal female patients using hormone therapy demonstrated better lung function, suggesting the potential consideration of testosterone and estrogen supplementation in clinical treatment. These findings underscore the importance of addressing gender and racial disparities in medical research, promoting more precise and effective medical practices.