MILLIONS of Brits are at risk of lung disease caused by type 2 diabetes.
Scientists have proved for the first time that the common illness directly worsens breathing.
GettyPatients with type 2 diabetes can suffer lung damage from high blood sugar[/caption]
High blood sugars can damage vital cells and reduce lung function by as much as 20 per cent, a study found.
Lung disease is one of the top causes of death in the UK and hospital admissions have doubled since the 1990s.
Type 2 diabetes is also at record high levels because of Brits’ burgeoning waistlines, with at least 3.9million sufferers.
Dr Elizabeth Robertson, research director at Diabetes UK, said: “This important research reveals for the first time that lung disorders can be a direct complication of type 2 diabetes.
“It is a reminder of the seriousness of type 2 diabetes.
“Lung conditions can be life-changing and life-limiting.”
Having high blood sugar levels damages the blood vessels that carry oxygen to organs, reducing their ability to function.
Diabetes is known to cause serious damage to the heart, brain and kidneys – as well as nerves in the eyes and feet.
Researchers knew diabetic patients had higher rates of lung disease but had not proved the condition caused it.
Surrey University used data from 500,000 people in the UK and found those with type 2 diabetes performed worse on breath tests, regardless of other possible causes.
Study leader, Professor Inga Prokopenko, said: “We hope our discovery is the first step towards earlier diagnosis and treatment of lung conditions.”