Diabetics have a higher risk of asthma: Warn Doctors
Pune, 3rd May 2022: A majority of people with diabetes may have reduced lung function which can lead to a chronic lung function known as asthma. Having diabetes and asthma can lower one’s quality of life. It is essential to manage the conditions promptly by taking prompt treatment and following certain lifestyle modifications such as eating a well-balanced diet, exercising daily, maintaining optimum weight, and staying stress-free to maintain blood sugar levels within the recommended range and avoid asthma.
India is home to millions of diabetics and the number is going on increasing. Diabetes will not only impact your heart, kidneys, and nerves but even your lungs and breathing patterns. Lung function can decline in those having diabetes. Various lung conditions are linked with diabetes like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), pneumonia, and tuberculosis. Another common lung condition that can be seen due to diabetes is asthma.
Dr Swapnil Kulkarni, Chest Physician, Lokmanya Hospital, “Having type 1 or type 2 diabetes can certainly raise one’s chances of asthma. This is so because diabetes causes inflammation in the body. Having diabetes means there will be higher levels of inflammatory compounds like C-reactive protein. Various studies have confirmed that high markers of inflammation can reduce one’s lung function making him/her fall prey to asthma (a chronic lung condition that leads to inflammation of airways) in later life. Lung function gets impacted due to high blood glucose levels. Moreover, obese people often have diabetes and can also suffer from asthma. Such people who fail to manage diabetes and asthma may require emergency care or hospitalization.”
“India is the diabetic capital with the highest no of diabetics and the number is increasing. diabetics are at high risk of having asthma. Diabetes is known to decrease lung function. Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome have been associated to lower lung function. Inability to control blood sugar levels can make you prone to asthma. Those with diabetes need to monitor their blood sugar levels on a regular basis without failing to keep their blood sugar levels within the normal range. Medications used to treat diabetes can help to reduce asthma exacerbations and asthma symptoms in patients suffering from both conditions. Ones with diabetes also need to take pulmonary function tests (PFTs) as suggested by the doctor to monitor how well their lungs are functioning. These tests can help to detect lung disease and then an expert can decide a proper line of treatment for you,” Said Dr Prerna Agarwal, Manager Technical Opertion, Apollo Diagnostics Pune.
“If you have diabetes and asthma simultaneously then you will have to eat a well-balanced diet inclusive of all the vital nutrients, avoid the junk, processed, oily and canned foods that can lead to abnormal blood sugar levels and flare-up your asthma, stress can cause high blood sugar levels and trigger asthma, so calm down by doing yoga or meditation, and exercise daily.” Concluded Dr Kulkarni.
