How are asthma and diabetes related?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Dr. Nguyen Van Dinh - Head of Respiratory - Asthma - Allergy - Clinical Immunology Unit, Vinmec Times City International Hospital.
Although the mechanism is unknown, patients with diabetes (especially those with poorly controlled blood sugar) have a higher risk of asthma than healthy individuals. Patients with both conditions tend to have more difficult glycemic control and asthma control than diabetics without asthma.

1. Is there a relationship between diabetes and asthma?

Diabetes is a condition in which high blood sugar is caused by the body's lack of the hormone insulin or resistance to insulin. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that leads to complications in many organs such as cardiovascular, neurological, psychiatric, renal - urinary, increased mortality if blood sugar is not controlled stably.
Asthma is an inflammation and constriction of the airways caused by an over-response to external or internal stimuli. The disease is manifested by episodes of cough, shortness of breath and chest tightness, alternating periods of normal breathing or persistent dyspnea if the disease is not well controlled.
Although the mechanism is not clear, patients with diabetes (especially those with poorly controlled blood sugar) have a higher risk of asthma than healthy people, patients with both conditions tend to control Blood sugar control and asthma control are more difficult than in non-asthmatic diabetics.
On the contrary, there are also studies that show that people with bronchial asthma need more attention when their risk of diabetes is also higher than the general population.
A common condition in patients with type II diabetes is obesity. Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes but is also associated with an increased risk of asthma. Patients with asthma and overweight have more asthma exacerbations, poorer quality of life, and poorer response to asthma medications.

2. Does steroid treatment of asthma cause diabetes?

Steroids are indicated in patients with bronchial asthma to reduce inflammation and edema of the airways, have a role in preventing asthma attacks and treating asthma exacerbations.
As we all know, steroids have side effects that increase insulin resistance, increase blood sugar, difficult to control weight, but many people wonder if taking this group of drugs will lead to diabetes or lose control. blood sugar control in diabetics?
In patients taking inhaled steroids (ICS such as fluticasone, budesonide) which will act locally (inhalation) usually do not cause systemic effects, so will not cause hyperglycaemia if used correctly according to the doctor's instructions.

When your shortness of breath becomes more frequent and longer-lasting, managing your asthma attacks helps prevent a life-threatening condition that may require oral or injectable steroids (such as prednisolone, methylprenisolone). The duration of oral administration is usually short periods, and blood sugar will also be closely monitored if you are at risk. If used not exactly as prescribed by the doctor, prolonged use, high doses will lead to hyperglycemia, loss of blood sugar control in diabetics and other complications.
In summary, when prescribed in the correct route, dose and duration, steroids provide good asthma control without causing hyperglycemia or loss of diabetes control. If you stop taking your medication out of fear of its effects, this is very dangerous because it can lead to more serious immediate consequences than possible future side effects such as a severe asthma attack. life-threatening, loss of asthma control that is sometimes difficult to achieve in asthmatic patients. See your doctor when you notice any unusual symptoms after taking the medicine.

3. What should be done for asthma and diabetes to coexist peacefully?

Good control of one of the two conditions will help improve and not aggravate the other condition. Therefore, besides drug control, the sooner the following measures are taken, the better the control effect will be:
Lifestyle changes are important in controlling both diseases, including Including: Weight loss, smoking cessation, nutritionally balanced diet, limited sugar, fat and rich in fiber and vitamins.
Ask your doctor when and how to exercise? Because the right exercise regimen helps you control blood sugar, blood fat and helps your lungs become stronger.
When you are diagnosed with asthma and have diabetes, you will need to follow it closely to keep the disease under control.
Vinmec Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Clinic has developed a treatment protocol and care guide to help patients achieve optimal and long-term treatment effects. When you have any concerns, concerns about asthma and diabetes, please contact us for support.

Eliminate or minimize the factors that cause asthma exacerbations such as: Allergens (house dust, pollen, food), do not use other drugs without a doctor's prescription because they can trigger an asthma attack. Asthma, stress causes a loss of blood sugar control and can trigger an asthma attack, so learn how to manage stress well.
Keep a daily record of asthma symptoms, you should keep a diary to keep track of the extent and cause of your suspected asthma symptoms. It is recommended that every asthma patient has an asthma diary because it will help the doctor monitor your condition in the most general way, thereby making the best treatment plan for you.
Make sure your asthma and diabetes are well controlled, regular home blood sugar testing as well as regular asthma checkups are essential, do not self-medicate without consulting your doctor. specialist doctor.

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