How Does Cigarette Smoking Affect Diabetes?

In this article, we will cover two serious and alarmingly common public health problems – smoking and diabetes. We have already talked about how smoking increases the risk of developing diabetes, but today we will focus on the benefits that diabetics can expect if they quit smoking.

Smoking and Diabetes

Smoking is considered one of the most preventable risk factors for various diseases and premature death. In addition to increasing the risk of cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and many other health problems, smoking also increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Research shows that smokers are 30-40% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than non-smokers. Additionally, people with diabetes who also smoke have more difficulty dosing their insulin and regulating their blood sugar. The risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases with the number of cigarettes smoked.

It is believed that regardless of the type of diabetes, cigarettes make it more difficult to control and improve the condition. Smokers who are diabetic have an increased chance of developing serious health problems, and they also have an increased risk of other complications such as:

• Heart and kidney disease

Reduced and worsened circulation, especially in the feet and legs which can lead to significantly more serious problems

• Retinopathy

Peripheral neuropathy (damage to the nerves in the extremities, which can lead to numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, etc.)

What benefits are expected when a person with diabetes quits smoking?

Smoking cessation is a crucial “intervention” for people with diabetes because of its profound and complex impact on metabolic and cardiovascular health. Smoking impairs insulin function and disrupts glucose metabolism through various mechanisms, including increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction.

Additionally, tobacco smoke contains numerous toxic compounds that directly damage pancreatic beta cells, leading to impaired insulin secretion and worsening hyperglycemia.

Quitting smoking reduces overall levels of inflammation, reducing the risk of progression of diabetic kidney disease. Also, by quitting smoking, people with diabetes can significantly reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular complications, such as coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.

Quitting smoking also has a positive impact on possible microvascular complications, including diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy, by eliminating the harmful effects of nicotine and other harmful ingredients in cigarettes on the function of smaller blood vessels.

Additionally, quitting improves overall lung function and reduces the risk of respiratory infections, promoting better overall health and reducing the likelihood of diabetic complications.

All of this points to the fact that all smokers, especially those with diabetes, should be strongly encouraged and supported to quit smoking. This is considered one of the main preventive tools, but also a way to treat this condition, which can progress and threaten overall health.