[Lung microangiopathy in diabetes]

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the metabolic disorder, which is characterised by persistent hyperglycaemia and abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. These metabolic disorders result from impaired insulin secretion, altered tissue sensitivity to insulin or the coexistence of both these mechanisms. Chronic DM usually results in micro- and macroangiopathy, which in turn may have a negative impact on the function of internal organs. Microangiopathy specifically affects eyes (retinopathy), kidney (nephropathy) and peripheral nervous system (neuropathy). Little is known about the influence of diabetic microangiopathy on lung function. A few available papers describe lung function and lung diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) impairment in patients with both DM type 1 and type 2. Reduction of DLCO can indicate, however, that DM leads to alveolar-capillary barrier damage in the lung. In this paper authors review available literature on microangiopathy and its influence on the lung function.