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Madrid, Spain—New research presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) annual meeting (9–13 September) has uncovered a striking link between type 2 diabetes (T2D) and asthma, revealing that individuals with either condition are at significantly higher risk of developing the other. The study, conducted by researchers from Taipei Medical University in Taiwan, analyzed data from 17 million people across various countries and emphasized the need for heightened awareness and screening for both conditions.
Dr. Nam Nguyen, lead researcher and professor at the College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, explained that the rising global prevalence of both asthma and type 2 diabetes makes this research particularly important.
“Both conditions negatively impact an individual’s quality of life and are expected to create increasing medical and economic burdens. However, the mechanisms behind this connection remain unclear,” said Dr. Nguyen. “This underscores the need for comprehensive research into their association.”
Key Findings from the Study
Dr. Nguyen’s team conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, pulling data from 14 studies across Europe, America, and Asia. The participants, aged between 50 and 70, offered a diverse perspective on the relationship between these two conditions. Key findings of the analysis include:
- Individuals with asthma are 28% more likely to develop T2D compared to those without asthma.
- Individuals with T2D are at 83% greater risk of developing asthma than their non-diabetic counterparts.
These results suggest a reciprocal relationship, indicating that asthma and type 2 diabetes may share common risk factors or underlying causes.
Contributing Factors
The study further identified certain factors that could be contributing to this association. Both hypertension and dyslipidemia (abnormal levels of blood fats like cholesterol) were shown to increase the risk for both asthma and T2D. Asthma severity was also found to influence the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, with a higher risk correlating to more severe asthma. Interestingly, however, the duration of asthma did not appear to impact diabetes risk.
Implications for Clinical Practice
Dr. Nguyen stressed the clinical significance of these findings. “Firstly, this relationship emphasizes the need for greater awareness among patients with type 2 diabetes or asthma and their healthcare providers. Preventive strategies should be considered to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes in individuals with asthma,” he stated.
One specific strategy proposed by Dr. Nguyen is the screening for prediabetes in asthma patients, particularly those on systemic corticosteroids, which are known to elevate blood sugar levels temporarily and have been linked to a higher risk of T2D.
Future Research Directions
While the findings offer crucial insights, Dr. Nguyen emphasized the need for further exploration of the shared biological mechanisms between asthma and T2D. The study opens the door for future research into how these two conditions interact on a molecular level, potentially providing new avenues for treatment.
As global rates of asthma and type 2 diabetes continue to rise, the study highlights the importance of vigilance in managing both conditions. Greater awareness, early screening, and effective management of contributing risk factors could significantly reduce the burden of these chronic diseases.
