Doctors warn diabetes patients about risk of smoking

People who smoke are also at much higher risk of developing diabetes compared to non-smokers

BENGALURU / November 13, 2024: Smoking is not only a major risk factor for diabetes, the combination of smoking and poor blood sugar control can increase the risk of health complications of diabetes and make it much more challenging to manage the disease. This was said by doctors of Sammprada Multispeciality Hospital, Bengaluru, ahead of the World Diabetes Day, while warning diabetes patients about the serious dangers of smoking.

Said Dr. Ravindra HS, Diabetologist, Sammprada Hospital, Bengaluru: “Studies have shown that people who smoke are at a much higher risk of developing diabetes compared to non-smokers. Not only that, diabetes patients who smoke are also at a higher risk of premature death compared to non-smokers with diabetes. According to a study, those who smoke 16–25 cigarettes per day have more than three times higher risk of developing diabetes than people who never smoked.”

He added: “Smoking increases the likelihood of developing heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and respiratory problems, all of which are compounded by the presence of diabetes. The risk of dying from these conditions is much higher in those who smoke and have diabetes compared to non-smokers having diabetes. The former face a double burden. They must not only manage the damage caused to their body by diabetes but also face the additional complications caused by smoking. This directly impacts the morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes in such patients.”

Said Dr. Ravindra HS: “Smoking has a huge impact on blood sugar control and the body’s ability to manage diabetes. It not only increases insulin resistance, the nicotine present in cigarettes can also cause blood sugar levels to rise. Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in diabetes. Smoking contributes to the buildup of plaque in arteries, further increasing the risk of heart attacks. Another complication of diabetes is diabetic neuropathy that causes nerve damage, especially in legs and feet. Smoking damages blood vessels and decreases blood circulation, thus worsening nerve damage in diabetes patients.”

Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps diabetes patients can take to improve their health and reduce the risk of complications, according to the doctor.

“The link between diabetes and smoking is undeniable, and the dangers of combining these two can be life-threatening. Smoking worsens insulin resistance, elevates blood sugar levels, and increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and other complications that are already more common in people with diabetes. Cigarette smoking is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for diabetes. By quitting smoking, diabetes patients can significantly reduce their risk of complications, improve blood sugar control, and improve their overall quality of life,” Dr. Ravindra HS said.