Effect of Diabetes Mellitus on the Respiratory Muscle Power in Sudanese Diabetic Patients

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a leading cause of illness and death. Respiratory muscle endurance is of interest in pulmonary, critical care and many other areas of medicine. Reduced muscle strength has been reported in diabetic patients. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in The National Ribat Teaching Hospital and Jabir Abualiz Specialized Diabetes Center in Khartoum state during 2008-2009 to measure the respiratory muscle power in 31 type II diabetic patients (case group) and 30 nondiabetics patients (control groups). Respiratory muscle power was measured by using Respiratory Pressure Meter device (MicroRPM). Results: Diabetic patients showed significant reduction in Maximal Expiratory Pressure (MEP) 71.8±7 compared to control 101.03±4.7. Depending on exercise performance diabetic patients with exercise performance revealed a significant increase in MEP compared with those without exercise. There were no significant differences in MEP among diabetics patients according to vitamin supplementary; Although there is slight increase in those with vitamin supplementary. Conclusion: This study has shown that type II DM decreases the respiratory muscle power which could be predisposing to more respiratory problems. Exercise and well control of diabetes helped in preserving normal respiratory muscle power. Key Words: Diabetes mellitus; Respiratory Muscle Power; Sudan; Reduced Muscle Strength; Diabetic Patients