Carbon monoxide diffusing capacity in type 1 diabetes melitus: another side of microangiopathy?

Introduction: Diabetic subjects develop diffuse microangiopathy. Previous clinical studies suggest pulmonary microangiopathy as a misdiagnosed aspect of diabetes, manifesting itself as reduced carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO). DLCO alterations may be associated with lung volumes or forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) reduction, but these data were not universally confirmed. Aims: Here we present our experience on subjects with type 1 diabetes in assessing lung volumes, pulmonary resistances and diffusion capacity. Materials and Methods: Eighteen caucasian diabetic subjects with type 1 diabetes m…