Tobacco consumption has been heavily linked to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While not all smokers will develop COPD, a majority of COPD cases do result from tobacco use; other cases result from alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1AD) or air pollution. However, reports Dr. Lindsey Shapiro in COPD News Today, a new study suggests another factor that could increase the risk of developing this lung disease: diabetes. 

Understanding the Interplay Between Diabetes and Lung Function Issues

In the past, there has been some association made between diabetes (or prediabetes) and COPD. Data highlighted how people with COPD typically had higher rates of diabetes and that these patients often experienced increased hospitalizations, disease exacerbations, and poor outcomes. 

Within this particular study, the results of which were published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, the research team set out to better investigate this relationship. They began by sourcing data from 425,680 people who did not have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from the U.K. BioBank. A slight majority of the people were female. 50,230 people had diabetes and 25,541 people had prediabetes. 

Next, the research team performed follow-up with a median time of 12.3 years. By the end of the follow-up period, 12,595 people (2.9%) had been diagnosed with COPD. After analyzing the data, the research team found that:

• Diabetes and prediabetes often correlated with higher blood sugar levels, a family history of these conditions, lower socioeconomic status, older age, tobacco use, and higher body mass index (BMI). However, the association between these conditions and COPD was stronger in males, younger individuals, and people from higher socioeconomic backgrounds.
• The risk of developing COPD rose by 18% and 35% in people with prediabetes or diabetes, respectfully. Additionally, the risk rose 1) when people smoked tobacco and 2) the longer ago their diabetes diagnosis was.
• Over the 12-year follow-up period, COPD was fatal in approximately 25% of cases. People with diabetes were significantly more likely to be in this group. 

More research is needed to replicate and solidify these results, as well as to understand the underlying relationships and mechanisms between the two. However, the research team suggests that, if the association can be confirmed, diabetes management could also contribute to better COPD outcomes.

What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that restricts the flow of air in the lungs. Both emphysema and chronic bronchitis exist under the greater umbrella of COPD. Right now, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the third leading cause of death worldwide. According to the CDC, the following groups are most likely to report having COPD: 

• People who were divorced, widowed, or separated
• Current or former smokers
• People with a history of asthma
• Women
• Those between ages 65-74 or over 75
• American Indians, Alaskan natives, and multiracial individuals
• People with less than a high school education
• Those who are unemployed or retired

COPD is progressive (meaning it worsens over time) and it cannot be cured. The damage to the lungs cannot be reversed. But this condition can be managed through certain medications, oxygen support, pulmonary rehabilitation, and noninvasive ventilation therapy.

Symptoms relating to this disease may include:

• Frequent coughing or wheezing that may produce mucus
• Shortness of breath and/or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Chest pain or pressure
• Lethargy
• Unintentional weight loss
• Swollen ankles, legs, or feet