Can Diabetes Cause Chronic Breathing Problems

CAN DIABETES CAUSE CHRONIC
BREATHING PROBLEMS?

DIABETES AND BREATHING PROBLEMS:
WHAT'S THE CONNECTION?

 When you think of the body parts that can be affected by
diabetes, you think of the eyes, the kidney, the feet. But did
you know that diabetes also affects another major part of the
body? It's the lungs.

 Diabetes has an impact on the functioning of lungs, or how
well we breathe.

 If a person is suffering from diabetic condition for a prolonged
duration, he/she becomes more vulnerable to certain lung
conditions.

 A person with type 2 diabetes tends to have 3% to 10% lower
lung volumes than adults who do not have the disease.

WHY DIABETES IMPACTS YOUR LUNG
FUNCTION

 While scientists are not exactly sure why diabetes and lung
function are related, according to some experts, it is due to
the inflammation caused in different parts of the body due
to high sugar levels.

 A diabetic has higher levels of inflammatory compounds,
like the C-reactive protein, which is linked to low lung
function.

 Some studies also reveal obesity to be as one of the causes.
 According to one study by Diabetes Care, obese people had

higher rates of diabetes and lower lung function compared
to healthy-weight people.

WHAT THIS COULD MEAN

 Broadly, reduced lung function won’t interfere directly with
your usual daily life activities.

 But if you have a busy and hectic lifestyle, you may experience
shortness of breath.

 It could also cause complications like asthma and may get
worse if you smoke or are obese.

 One should keep a nebulizer handy as it aids in breathing.
 A person having diabetes may not necessarily have bad lung

function too but some studies show that lung function
deteriorates over time as blood glucose levels increase.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

 Diabetes has a negative impact on lung function, or how
well your lungs help you to breathe.

 If you have diabetes, you are more prone to have lung
conditions such as COPD and pulmonary fibrosis.

 Studies show that lung function gets worse as blood glucose
levels increase.

 If you have diabetes, you should quit smoking immediately
as it increases your risk for serious complications such as
poor blood flow, blindness, heart disease and also damage
to lungs, kidney and nerves.

 Lastly, and most importantly, make sure that your blood
sugar levels are in control. Keep a check on it with the help
of a glucometer from the convenience of your home.

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