The relationship between poor glycemic control and diaphragmatic thickness in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background/aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of diabetes mellitus (DM) on the diaphragm muscle. Materials and methods A total of 120 volunteers were divided into two groups: 60 healthy individuals and 60 diagnosed with diabetes. Both the healthy control group and the type 2 DM group were matched for diaphragm thickness, diaphragmatic excursion, diaphragmatic thickening fraction, and costophrenic angle. All diabetic patients underwent electromyography to assess possible diabetic neuropathy. These patients were then divided into subgroups based on their peripheral neuropathy status and whether their diabetes was poorly regulated. Results In DM patients with poorly regulated glucose levels, we found a significant decrease in both right and left diaphragm thickness during expiration and inspiration. However, no difference was recorded between the groups regarding diaphragm movements and the left costodiaphragmatic angle. There was no significant difference in the mean age or body mass index between the two groups, regardless of diabetes regulation status. Conclusion Sarcopenia is a known condition in diabetic patients, but its impact on the diaphragm muscle is not well understood. The potential respiratory comorbidities related to sarcopenia could contribute to the morbidity and poor quality of life associated with diabetes, in addition to the known vascular complications and end-organ damage. Previous studies have shown that lung conditions are more common in individuals with type 2 diabetes. This may require clinicians to assess respiratory functions in diabetic patients. We hypothesize that the diaphragm muscle, affected by sarcopenia, may contribute to the increased prevalence of respiratory diseases in this population.