Diabetes is a disease in which your blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels are too high. Glucose comes from the foods you eat. Insulin is a hormone that helps the glucose get into your cells to give them energy. Patients diagnosed with diabetes are at increased risk for Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Pulmonary Fibrosis, and Pneumonia. That’s especially important for those with diabetes to keep their lungs healthy. Especially during the time of COVID-19, a disease that directly affects your lungs. While people with diabetes are at a higher risk, they are less likely to attend their in person check ups, that’s where telehealth comes in!
How Does Lung Health Correlate With Diabetes
Patients with diabetes have a weakened immune system that responds poorly to fighting infections including lung disease. Having a weakened immune system can also lead to those with diabetes catching a cold easier and taking a long time to recover. Many common colds can turn into something more serious and have a negative effect on the lungs. Diabetes can also affect breathing. Trouble breathing isn’t a symptom that everyone with diabetes has, and the risk of having difficulty breathing can be reduced by maintaining good diabetes control and a healthy body weight.
How To Keep Your Lungs Healthy With Diabetes
Refraining from smoking or stopping may be the most important thing you can do to improve your lung and overall health when you have diabetes. Not smoking helps improve blood sugar levels and decreases insulin resistance. Some other ways to keep your lungs healthy when you have diabetes are exercise, practicing deep breathing, and reducing your carbohydrate intake. Some additional tips for keeping your lungs healthy in general include, eating foods rich in antioxidants, avoiding pollutants, staying up to date on vaccinations, and of course washing your hands frequently. If you are concerned about your lung health or want more help keeping your lungs healthy, contact us today to learn more about how a teletherapy session can benefit you.