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Diabetes and COPD
Diabetes is a disease that many people hear about but may not be very familiar with, until they are diagnosed with it. Diabetes is a condition where the body cannot use glucose efficiently, thus leaving high amounts of it in the blood. This results to various symptoms like feeling easily tired and fatigued, frequent thirst and urination, and wounds that are difficult to heal. In the long term, diabetes can lead to damage to blood vessels and nerves, affecting major body organs like the heart, kidneys, eyes and brain.
But why is it an important issue to know about, especially for COPD patients? An increasing number of studies show that patients who have COPD have a higher risk for acquiring diabetes.
Diabetes and COPD: The connection
Though it has not yet been well-established as to why COPD patients have a higher chance of being affected with diabetes, one of the main suspects is the systemic inflammation brought about by the condition. Chronic inflammation has been linked to the development of a number of lifestyle diseases like hypertension and diabetes. Also, recent studies have shown that COPD increases the risk for diabetes because of the changes it causes in the body, such as increased weight gain and alterations in metabolism. Increased oxidative stress and insulin resistance may also pave the way for the occurrence of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Aside from such alterations in the body, COPD patients’ chronic intake of corticosteroids to relieve airway inflammation can also play a role. Among the side effects of corticosteroids, one of the most difficult to deal with is its alteration of blood sugar levels. Corticosteroids, like prednisolone and hydrocortisone, can wreak havoc on how the body metabolizes blood sugar. The side effects become even more pronounced in patients who are taking corticosteroids over the long term, causing insulin resistance that can ultimately lead to type 2 diabetes.
All of the above effects are possible, regardless of the severity and stage of COPD. Thus, many COPD patients should be more aware of the risks that the condition may lead to.
Diabetes, on the other hand, is also a factor that can increase the chances for lung infections and negatively affect lung structure and function. Many diabetics are more at risk of pulmoary infections. Thus, patients who have diabetes along with COPD can possibly experience more serious COPD symptoms. Diabetics with COPD were seen to have an increased incidence of flare-ups as well. Other investigations have also supported this evidence. Patients with high blood sugar levels were seen to be more frequently hospitalized for COPD symptoms and acute attacks, with diabetes possibly causing a more rapid rate of lung decline. Because of this, diabetes mellitus is now considerably viewed as one of the contributing factors to COPD.
What you can do to minimize risk
All of this information may seem overwhelming and even bothersome. However, there are things you can do to stop diabetes in its tracks or altogether prevent its onset. Consider taking on practices that reduce the risks to diabetes, such as having a healthy diet low in refined sugars. You also need to pay attention to the importance of reducing lung function decline, such as quitting smoking and staying on track with your exercise program. Talk with your doctor to have an assessment of your blood sugar levels, and ask for continuous monitoring.
If you are seen to have problems with blood sugar control, its time to take steps to keep this from progressing to full blown diabetes. You should also consider regular prophylactic vaccinations since high blood sugar levels may make respiratory infections more difficult to deal with. Its also important to adhere to medical regimens and routines recommended by your doctor. Adequate control over symptoms with prevention of complications should be the main goal of your treatment regimen.
All in all, regular appointments and open communication with your doctor to voice out any worries over your condition is a great start to preventing diabetes, heart conditions, and the onset of any other possible conditions.
But why is it an important issue to know about, especially for COPD patients? An increasing number of studies show that patients who have COPD have a higher risk for acquiring diabetes.
Diabetes and COPD: The connection
Though it has not yet been well-established as to why COPD patients have a higher chance of being affected with diabetes, one of the main suspects is the systemic inflammation brought about by the condition. Chronic inflammation has been linked to the development of a number of lifestyle diseases like hypertension and diabetes. Also, recent studies have shown that COPD increases the risk for diabetes because of the changes it causes in the body, such as increased weight gain and alterations in metabolism. Increased oxidative stress and insulin resistance may also pave the way for the occurrence of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Aside from such alterations in the body, COPD patients’ chronic intake of corticosteroids to relieve airway inflammation can also play a role. Among the side effects of corticosteroids, one of the most difficult to deal with is its alteration of blood sugar levels. Corticosteroids, like prednisolone and hydrocortisone, can wreak havoc on how the body metabolizes blood sugar. The side effects become even more pronounced in patients who are taking corticosteroids over the long term, causing insulin resistance that can ultimately lead to type 2 diabetes.
All of the above effects are possible, regardless of the severity and stage of COPD. Thus, many COPD patients should be more aware of the risks that the condition may lead to.
Diabetes, on the other hand, is also a factor that can increase the chances for lung infections and negatively affect lung structure and function. Many diabetics are more at risk of pulmoary infections. Thus, patients who have diabetes along with COPD can possibly experience more serious COPD symptoms. Diabetics with COPD were seen to have an increased incidence of flare-ups as well. Other investigations have also supported this evidence. Patients with high blood sugar levels were seen to be more frequently hospitalized for COPD symptoms and acute attacks, with diabetes possibly causing a more rapid rate of lung decline. Because of this, diabetes mellitus is now considerably viewed as one of the contributing factors to COPD.
What you can do to minimize risk
All of this information may seem overwhelming and even bothersome. However, there are things you can do to stop diabetes in its tracks or altogether prevent its onset. Consider taking on practices that reduce the risks to diabetes, such as having a healthy diet low in refined sugars. You also need to pay attention to the importance of reducing lung function decline, such as quitting smoking and staying on track with your exercise program. Talk with your doctor to have an assessment of your blood sugar levels, and ask for continuous monitoring.
If you are seen to have problems with blood sugar control, its time to take steps to keep this from progressing to full blown diabetes. You should also consider regular prophylactic vaccinations since high blood sugar levels may make respiratory infections more difficult to deal with. Its also important to adhere to medical regimens and routines recommended by your doctor. Adequate control over symptoms with prevention of complications should be the main goal of your treatment regimen.
All in all, regular appointments and open communication with your doctor to voice out any worries over your condition is a great start to preventing diabetes, heart conditions, and the onset of any other possible conditions.
Lovego Service
Email: service@oxygencare.cn
Tel:86-0755-23733851
Add: Building B, LC Hi-tech Park, Longhua District, Shenzhen, China
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