Reduced diffusion lung capacity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus predicts hospitalization for pneumonia

Among 4164 patients, those with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) had lower lung diffusion capacity (DLCO) compared with those without DM (DLCO mean + SE: 15.7 + 0.3 vs. 17.0 +/- 0.2 mL/min/mm Hg, p < 0.01). Reduced DLCO predicted hospitalization for pneumonia independent of diabetes control, severity and co-morbidities (OR = 2.4, CI 1.08-5.31). (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.