Diabetes and COPD are all-too-often found together. In fact, studies show that approximately 14%-15% of people who have COPD also have diabetes. One does not cause the other, according to About.com. Their connection seems to be linked by one common risk factor: smoking.

The National Institutes of Health, there are two main forms of COPD: chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Smoking is the leading cause of COPD, and the longer a person smokes the more likely they are to develop the condition. A number of studies have found that smoking, by itself, could lead to glucose intolerance, impaired fasting glucose, and type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes and COPD are a very deadly combination. People with diabetes COPD are at risk of faster deteriorating lung function, heart disease, and death. Those who have both diabetes and COPD can improve their condition by quiting smoking, of course. Many can also better condition by joining …