Diabetes 'accelerates loss of lung capacity'

Diabetes sufferers experience a faster loss of lung capacity than their non-diabetic counterparts, according to a new study.

Research published in the latest issue of Diabetes Care reaffirmed previous findings that suggest that the lung serves as the target organ for diabetic injury, with the development of diabetes accelerating existing lung abnormalities.

The study found that people with type 2 diabetes in particular seem to encounter a more rapid loss of lung capacity prior to diagnosis and speeds up once the disease takes hold.

The researchers explained that "high blood sugar levels stiffen the lung tissue," reducing the body's ability to fill with air.

Dr Fred Brancati, one of the study's lead authors, commented: "The results suggest that doctors and patients should keep an eye on the literature about diabetes and the lung down the road, since there's a stronger connection than we previously thought."

After considering the research findings, researchers advised clinicians to "pay heightened attention to pulmonary function in their patients with type 2 diabetes".