Peak expiratory flow rate: Relationship to risk variables and mortality - The Wisconsin Epidemiologic Study of Diabetic Retinopathy

OBJECTIVE - To examine correlates of peak expiratory now rate in people wit h type 1 diabetes and to evaluate the relationship of peak expiratory how r ate to mortality. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - A cohort study that was originally designed t o determine the prevalence, incidence, and severity of diabetic retinopathy also provided the opportunity to measure peak expiratory now rate. This wa s first measured at a 10-year follow-up and was evaluated in regard to risk factors for microvascular complications of diabetes. Mortality during 6 ye ars of follow-up after the measurement was also ascertained. RESULTS- In multivariable analysis, peak expiratory flow rate was associate d with sex, age, height, BMI, history of cardiovascular disease, pulse rate , duration of diabetes, glycosylated, hemoglobin, and end-stage renal disea se. Peak expiratory flow rate was significantly associated survival wit in categorical analyses. Even after considering age, sex, renal disease, histo ry of cardiovascular disease, respiratory symptoms, duration of diabetes, c igarette smoking, and hypertension, peak expiratory flow rate was still sig nificantly related to survival (hazard ratio 0.61 [95% CI 0.40-0.82]). CONCLUSIONS - These data indicate that peak expiratory now rate is associat ed with risk factors for other complications of diabetes, In addition, peak expiratory flow rate is a significant predictor of survival over even I re latively short period of time (6 years) in patients with younger-onset diab etes.