Pneumonia is a respiratory infection which inflames the air sacs of either or both the lungs. This is majorly caused by a diverse variety of microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi but the main culprits are bacterial and viral infections. The severity of pneumonia can range from mild to life-threatening based on a person's overall health.
“Diabetes on the other hand is a chronic condition with several health complications. It can weaken one’s immune system leaving at a greater risk of contracting diseases like pneumonia,” said Dr Mahesh Neelakanthanavar, Senior Consultant General Medicine and Diabetology, HCG Suchirayu Hospital, Hubballi, Karnataka.
According to the Centres of Disease Control and Prevention, people with diabetes are three times more likely to die from the flu or pneumonia.
What Is The Link between Diabetes And Pneumonia
“Diabetic patients are particularly vulnerable to pneumonia due to a variety of factors. Firstly, diabetes suppresses the immune system's ability to fight infections. High blood sugar levels can impair the function of white blood cells, which are the body's natural defence against pathogens,” said Dr Govind Desai, Consultant Interventional Pulmonology, HCG Suchirayu Hospital, Hubballi, Karnataka, adding, diabetes often comes with other comorbidities like heart disease and kidney problems, further weakening the body's resistance to infections. Diabetic patients are more likely to be overweight or obese, amplifying the risk of contracting pneumonia.
Medicine induced Risks
“Medications like corticosteroids, which are prescribed for inflammatory conditions, can suppress the functioning of the immune system, and increase the chances of contracting diseases like pneumonia,” Dr Desai explained.
Respiratory Complications
“Diabetic patients might have pre-existing respiratory conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or asthma which can elevate the risk of pneumonia. These conditions will make it difficult for the lungs to expel mucus, which can lead to the accumulation of harmful bacteria and viruses, increasing the likelihood of pneumonia,” Dr Neelakanthanavar said.
Also read: World Pneumonia Day 2023: Know Its Causes, Risk, Symptoms And Prevention
Age and Lifestyle
Age progression plays a pivotal role in increasing the risk of both pneumonia and diabetes. Older adults tend to have weaker and suppressed immune systems making it easy for them to be susceptible to infections. Also, lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption and smoking can further weaken the immune system, increasing the vulnerability to contract pneumonia.
What Are Some Preventive Measures
The risk factors of pneumonia among diabetic patients are correlated and multidimensional. However, awareness and proactive measures can make a significant difference in preventing pneumonia in this vulnerable population. As per our experts following are some preventive measures to follow:
Try To Manage Diabetes
Effective management of blood glucose levels is important. Regular monitoring, medication compliance, and practising a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in reducing pneumonia risk.
Immunisations
Annual influenza and pneumonia vaccinations are recommended for diabetic patients. These vaccines can help prevent infections and reduce the severity of the illness if contracted.
Also read: Dentures May Cause Pneumonia If Not Cleaned Properly: Study
Use of Simple Mask
According to the National Library of Medicine, acute respiratory infections are common and a risk to society. While facemasks have been shown to be an effective barrier in limiting the aerosol spread of such diseases, their use in the local population is not frequent which raises doubts on their efficiency in avoiding airborne infections during epidemics.
High Protein Diet
Those suffering from pneumonia should consume a diet rich in protein. Food with anti-inflammatory properties include almonds, peanuts, beans, white meat, and cold-water fish. These nutrients may also help the ability of the body to repair and regenerate tissues.
Managing diabetes effectively, immunisations, healthy lifestyle choices, and smoking cessation are key components in reducing the risk and ensuring better respiratory health.
