ObjectiveTo observe the effects of salmeterol fluticasone on the glucose metabolism and bone density of the elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) combined with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsThirty-one patients with COPD combined with T2DM were divided into 2 groups by random digits table,14 cases in control group were given conventional therapy,17 cases in experimental group were given conventional therapy and fluticasone propionate 50/500 μg,twice a day,for 3 months.The fasting blood glucose,postprandial 2 hours glucose,glycosylated hemoglobin,plasma cortisol and bone density respectively before and after treatment were detected.ResultsIn experimental group,the fasting blood glucose,postprandial 2 hours glucose,glycosylated hemoglobin and bone density before treatment was (5.25 ± 0.21 ) mmol/L,(7.14 ± 0.33 ) mmol/L,(5.58 ± 0.26 )％,( 1.96 ± 0.11 ) g/cm2,and after treatment was(5.31 ± 0.27 ) mmol/L,(7.22 ± 0.29 ) mmol/L,(5.67 ± 0.23 )％,(2.03 ± 0.15 ) g/cm2,there was no significant difference (P ＞ 0.05).In control groups,the fasting blood glucose,postprandial 2 hours glucose,glycosylated hemoglobin and bone density before treatment was (5.33 ± 0.35) mmol/L,( 7.26 ± 0.29 ) mmol/L,( 5.62 ± 0.19 )％,( 1.88 ± 0.20 ) g/cm2,and after treatment was ( 5.36 ± 0.31 ) mmol/L,(7.30 ± 0.35 ) mmol/L,( 5.69 ± 0.26 )％,( 1.98 ± 0.17 ) g/cm2,there was no significant difference (P ＞ 0.05 ).There was no significant difference in plasma cortisol before and after treatment in two groups (P ＞0.05).ConclusionInhaling salmeterol fluticasone for elderly patients with COPD combined with T2DM is safe.