Asthma and Hyperglycemia: Exploring the Interconnected Pathways

Abstract

The interplay between asthma and glucose metabolism disorders, such as hyperglycemia, has gained increasing attention due to the potential exacerbation of asthma symptoms and severity. This review explores the complex relationship between hyperglycemia and asthma, emphasizing the pathophysiological links, the impact of glucose metabolism disorders on asthma, and the effects of asthma medications on glucose levels. Hyperglycemia, often induced by asthma treatments like corticosteroids, has been associated with an increased risk of asthma exacerbations. This review delves into the pathophysiology underlying this association, highlighting the role of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and obesity in both the development and management of asthma. Metabolic syndrome, characterized by abdominal obesity and hyperglycemia, independently increases the risk of worsening respiratory symptoms and asthma. Furthermore, this review examines the influence of various antidiabetic medications on asthma outcomes. Biguanides, like metformin, have shown promise in improving asthma outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and asthma. However, other medications have mixed results regarding their impact on asthma control and lung function. Considering these findings, this review advocates for further research into the role of metabolic pathways in asthma management. It calls for comparative studies and the inclusion of asthma-related outcomes in clinical trials of antidiabetic drugs to better understand their potential benefits for individuals with obesity and concurrent asthma.