COPD and T2DM: a Mendelian randomization study.

INTRODUCTION: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) stands as a global chronic illness, exerting a profound impact on health due to its complications and generating a significant economic burden. Recently, observational studies have pointed toward a potential link between Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and T2DM. To elucidate this causal connection, we employed the Mendelian randomization analysis.

METHOD: Our study involved a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis on COPD and T2DM. Additionally, tests for heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy were performed.

RESULTS: For the MR analysis, 26 independent single nucleotides polymorphisms (SNPs) with strong associations to COPD were chosen as instrumental variables. Our findings suggest a pronounced causal relationship between COPD and T2DM. Specifically, COPD emerges as a risk factor for T2DM, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.06 and a 95% confidence interval ranging from 1.01 to 1.11 (P = 0.006). Notably, all results were devoid of any heterogeneity or pleiotropy.

CONCLUSION: The MR analysis underscores a significant causal relationship between COPD and T2DM, highlighting COPD as a prominent risk factor for T2DM.