While most people associate diabetes with high blood sugar and complications affecting the heart, kidneys, and eyes, research suggests it may also affect the lungs. A recent study in mice by a University of Georgia College of Pharmacy team of investigators, led by Somanath Shenoy, found that diabetes creates a state of chronic inflammation in the lungs, altering how certain genes work and making lung tissue more vulnerable to injury.
Researchers looked at mice with type 1 diabetes and found that their lungs showed higher levels of inflammatory markers, along with changes in genes that control blood vessel function and immune responses. Some of these changes can make blood vessels in the lungs more “leaky,” leading to swelling and fluid buildup, which can interfere with normal breathing. The study also found reduced levels of other protective genes, which may further compromise lung health.
“Interestingly, when diabetes was combined with a severe infection in the lungs, the additional damage was not always significantly worse,” said Shenoy, who is the Kenneth L. Waters Pharmacy Professor and Assistant Department Head for Research and Graduate Education. “Literature suggests that this may be due to the body’s inflammatory response already being at a peak during infection. However, the underlying inflammation and tissue changes caused by diabetes alone mean that people with the condition could still be at higher risk of complications if they develop respiratory illnesses.”
These findings reinforce data from a clinical study from the same research team, which examined nearly 1,000 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. It found that patients with pre-existing diabetes had lower survival rates and longer hospital and ICU stays than those without diabetes, showing that diabetes can worsen outcomes in serious lung conditions.
The study highlights that diabetes is not just a disease of blood sugar, but a condition that affects multiple organs, including the lungs. For people living with diabetes, this signifies the importance of careful blood sugar control and managing inflammation. “Keeping diabetes under control may help reduce the risk of lung complications, particularly during respiratory infections or other stresses on the lungs,” said Shenoy.
What does this mean to you?
Shenoy added that if you have diabetes, protecting your lung health is important. Regularly monitoring blood sugar, following your doctor’s advice for diet and exercise, and keeping up with vaccinations, such as the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, can help reduce risks. Avoiding smoking and minimizing exposure to air pollution also supports lung function. Being aware of symptoms, such as shortness of breath, persistent cough, or unusual fatigue, and seeking medical attention early can help prevent serious complications. “These simple steps, combined with good diabetes management, can make a real difference in keeping your lungs healthy,” he said.
Funding for this research was provided by the UGA College of Pharmacy Kenneth L. Waters Foundation, the University of Georgia Wilson Pharmacy Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health.
