To study the therapeutic effects of aerosol inhalation of budesonide on acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the influence on pulmonary ventilation function and glucose metabolism indicators.

Between January 2019 and May 2020, 120 patients with AECOPD and T2DM were selected as the subjects. According to the non-randomized clinical concurrent controlled study and patient voluntary principle, they were divided into control group 58 cases and observation group 62 cases. Control Group was treated with low-dose budesonide, while observation group was treated with high-dose budesonide. Changes in pulmonary ventilation function, glucose metabolism indicators and inflammatory factors before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. The efficacy and safety were evaluated.

There was no significant difference in the response rate between the two groups (P>0.05). After treatment, the pulmonary ventilation function indexes significantly increased, and the increases were greater in observation group than in control group (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed in glucose metabolism indexes between the two groups or in the same group before and after treatment (P>0.05). After treatment, the levels of inflammatory factors decreased significantly, and the decreases were greater in observation group than in control group (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05).

Aerosol inhalation of budesonide is safe and effective in the treatment of AECOPD with T2DM, without significant effect on glucose metabolism. However, high-dose budesonide can better improve pulmonary ventilation and relieve inflammation.