We know that smoking increases the chance of cancer and diseases of the heart, lungs, and other organs. However, many may not be aware of the fact that smoking is one of the factors that contribute to type 2 diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as compared to non-smokers, cigarette smokers have a 30–40% increased risk of type 2 diabetes. On World No Tobacco Day, we spoke to Dr Abhirup Banerjee, Consultant Endocrinologist, Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College, Kolkata, to know more about the impact of smoking on diabetes control.
Dr Banerjee said, "Smokers are more prone to experience difficulties in insulin dosing and managing diabetes. If not managed properly, it can cause health issues like heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and damage to the nerves and blood vessels in the feet and legs."
He said, "Diabetes makes people more prone to infections, which can quickly develop complications in the body. Additionally, circulatory system problems might result from smoking and diabetes." He further stated that smokers may also experience problems associated with the immune system.
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Factors Contributing To An Increased Risk Of Diabetes Among Smokers
The harmful compounds in cigarettes can damage cells in the body and also interfere with their normal function. "This can promote inflammation throughout the body, reducing insulin's efficacy," said the doctor. Insulin is a hormone that assists your body in utilising the sugar in your blood.
He said, "Smoking can also cause oxidative stress, a condition that occurs when there are too many unstable molecules called free radicals, which can cause cell damage." He added, "Individuals who smoke often increase the risk of gaining additional belly fat. This can increase your risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes even if you are not overweight."
Cholesterol, a type of fat in the blood, may be good (high-density lipoprotein) or bad (low-density lipoprotein). "Many times, bad cholesterol levels may rise, with good cholesterol decreasing simultaneously. The lipid profile can worsen further due to smoking, which increases the triglycerides levels," added the doctor. He stated that type 2 diabetes is also associated with high triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
Thus, oxidative stress, inflammation in the body, increase in central fat, and imbalance in good and bad cholesterol can contribute to increased risk of diabetes among smokers.
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Management Of Diabetes
Here are a few measures that can help manage diabetes better:
Quitting Smoking
Patients with diabetes should stop smoking. This helps in managing diabetes, and those without the disease should also give up smoking because it increases the chance of developing diabetes.
Counselling
Counselling and psychotherapy can help smokers understand the reasons behind their smoking habits. Individuals can receive emotional support to assist them in coping with the difficulties of quitting smoking. Your doctor may offer counselling services and suggest nicotine replacement therapy as a means to quit smoking.
Eating A Balanced Diet
A diet low in fat, salt, sugar, and other processed or simple carbohydrates, and high in fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is recommended. For people with diabetes, fibre is especially important, as it lowers the blood sugar, added the doctor.
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Losing Weight
Exercise may reduce the chance of developing lung cancer in people who smoke. Additionally, it promotes the metabolism of glucose and can lessen the chance of obesity, which is another risk factor for diabetes.
Following The Treatment Plan
People with diabetes face difficulty controlling their blood glucose levels and are more prone to complications. Smoking increases these complications, which can be reduced by taking the prescribed medications at the right time.
Regularly Checking Your Blood Sugar Levels
Keep track of your blood sugar levels and try to maintain them in the normal range.
[Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided by a registered dietician. However, we recommend you consult your healthcare provider for a diet plan as per your body's requirements.]
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