According to Dr. Mahesh Neelakanthanavar, General Medicine and Diabetes (India), pneumonia is one of the common respiratory infections, causing inflammation in the airbags of the lungs. It can be caused by many different types of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses or fungi.
The severity of the disease can range from mild to severe, depending on the patient's overall health. In particular, diabetics are at high risk of pneumonia and experience more serious complications.
The link between diabetes and pneumonia
Dr Mahesh Neelakanthanavar says diabetes and pneumonia are closely linked, especially when diabetes is not well controlled. People with diabetes are at high risk of infectious problems, including pneumonia, because their immune systems are weakened. Here are some factors that explain the link between the two conditions:
Weak immune system: When blood sugar levels are high, the immune system weakens, reducing its ability to fight infections, including pneumonia.
Lung dysfunction: High blood sugar reduces the ability to clean the lungs, increasing the risk of respiratory infections such as pneumonia, especially when combined with other diseases such as cardiovascular disease.
Increased risk factors for diabetes
People with diabetes often have other risk factors that make them more susceptible to pneumonia, including:
High blood pressure: A common risk factor for people with diabetes, high blood pressure can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of lung disease.
Obesity: Many people with type 2 diabetes are prone to obesity, which increases the risk of respiratory problems, including pneumonia.
Blood circulation problems: Diabetes can cause circulation problems, reducing the ability to supply oxygen to tissues, including the lungs, thereby reducing the ability to fight infections.
Measures to prevent pneumonia for diabetics
Effective diabetes management: Monitor blood sugar, follow medication and maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of pneumonia.
Regular vaccination: get vaccinated against influenza and pneumonia every year to prevent infection and reduce the severity of the disease if you have the disease.
Use a mask: Wear a mask when in contact with crowded areas or epidemics to reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
Protein-rich diet: Eating anti-inflammatory foods like almonds, peanuts, beans, white meat, and cold-water fish helps recover health.
Healthy lifestyle: Maintain a reasonable weight, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol to improve the immune system and reduce the risk of pneumonia.
