Connection between Diabetes and Asthma: Examining Potential Relationship
Article Title: The Link Between Asthma and Type 2 Diabetes: A Closer Look
In recent years, researchers have uncovered a connection between asthma and Type 2 diabetes, two conditions that may seem unrelated at first glance.
Chronic systemic inflammation is a common thread that links these diseases. Asthma patients often exhibit elevated markers of systemic inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), and glucose dysregulation, as indicated by higher hemoglobin A1c levels. This inflammatory state is associated with metabolic disturbances and has been shown to be independently associated with common comorbidities like hypertension and diabetes [1].
Research suggests that reduced lung function in asthma correlates with increased odds of diabetes, pointing towards overlapping pathophysiological pathways involving inflammation and metabolic dysfunction [1]. In many asthma cases, type 2 inflammation is present, characterised by immune dysregulation with cytokines and eosinophils that sustain inflammation. This chronic inflammatory condition may aggravate metabolic diseases like diabetes [2][3].
Obesity-mediated systemic inflammation further links asthma and metabolic dysregulation, reinforcing the role of systemic inflammation in connecting these diseases [4].
Asthma treatments, particularly systemic corticosteroids, can exacerbate glucose dysregulation, increasing the risk or severity of diabetes. Systemic corticosteroids, often prescribed for severe or uncontrolled asthma, can induce glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, potentially leading to the development or worsening of diabetes [1][2].
While inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) have less systemic absorption than oral corticosteroids, long-term or high-dose use can still exert systemic metabolic effects [2].
It's important to note that the link between asthma and diabetes is not yet fully understood, but one theory suggests that systemic inflammation plays a significant role.
Certain demographic groups are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, including African Americans, Hispanic and Latino individuals, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Pacific Islanders, and Asian Americans. Being overweight or obese, physically inactive, having a history of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels, a history of polycystic ovary syndrome, and a history of cardiovascular disease are also risk factors for Type 2 diabetes [1].
Maintaining a moderate body weight, eating a nutritious diet, and getting regular exercise can help manage diabetes and may also benefit people with asthma.
[1] - Xu, J., et al. (2014). Association of asthma with diabetes and its complications: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 134(6), 1295-1303. [2] - Wang, J., et al. (2014). Asthma and the risk of diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. Respirology, 19(3), 353-363. [3] - Kraft, M., et al. (2013). Obesity and the risk of asthma: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Allergy, 68(10), 1245-1253. [4] - Choi, J., et al. (2013). Obesity-mediated inflammation in asthma. Annals of the American Thoracic Society, 10(1), 1-8.
- The chronic systemic inflammation that characterizes Type 2 diabetes is closely linked with medical conditions like asthma, making it one of the several chronic diseases associated with asthma.
- In the study of health and wellness, it has been discovered that respiratory conditions such as asthma share overlapping pathophysiological pathways with Type 2 diabetes, particularly in relation to inflammation and metabolic dysfunction.
- Research in the field of science indicates that obesity, a common risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, also triggers systemic inflammation, which links it to asthma and other related metabolic disorders.
