Determination of the association between measures of diabetes mellitus and biomarkers of lung health among adult African population residing in the Dikgale, Mamabolo, Mothiba population health research centre, Limpopo Province South Africa

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) affects various organs in the body (Kharroubi, 2015), including the lungs. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a slowly progressing condition that generally results in a gradual decline in lung function over time. One approach to monitoring lung tissue degradation caused by DM, beyond repeated lung function tests is through biomarkers of lung health. These biomarkers can serve as a sensitive indicator of disease activity and may assist in predicting lung function. Objective To investigate the association between DM and lung health measurements by utilizing desmosine biomarkers within a rural adult population at the DIMAMO Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS). Methods This study employed a retrospective, cross-sectional, and partially prospective correlation design, conducted at DIMAMO HDSS. This study utilized data from the AWI-Gen Phase One dataset. Data on measures of Diabetes mellitus and other demographic and vi biomedical measures were extracted from 222 participants (79 men and 143 women). Desmosine levels were quantified using competitive ELISA assay (DES-LISA-kit). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27, with a p-value <0.05. Results No significant associations were observed between glucose and desmosine levels (p=0.230), HOMA-IR and desmosine levels (p=0.820), or insulin and desmosine levels (p=0.438). Even after performing backward linear regression, where less significant variables were systematically removed, no significant associations were identified between desmosine and these diabetes-related variables. Conclusion This study found no linear association between DM measures (glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR) and lung health as indicated by desmosine levels. After conducting backward linear regression, desmosine levels remained unassociated with any of the diabetes-related covariates included in the model. In conclusion, there is no evidence of an association between DM measures and lung health markers in this study.