‘Smoking is injurious to health’ – a phrase smokers see and hear everywhere but rarely do they pay attention to it. So, all the smokers this one is for you. Consider it a plea or a warning, but pay careful attention to the words written here. Apart from damaging the lungs, smoking can have fatal effects on your body. It can give rise to other problems which can be detrimental to your health and pose a threat to your life.
According to a report, nicotine in cigarettes is addictive and can make your blood sugar levels fluctuate rapidly. It changes the way your body uses glucose – the sugar in our blood. With every smoke, you are feeding your body more nicotine, and raising your chances of getting diabetes. This also increases the chances of developing type 2 diabetes and can even make it worse. Nicotine changes the way your cells respond to insulin. It lets it in your body, a condition known as insulin resistance. It also increases triglycerides (fat connected to insulin resistance). If your blood glucose remains high for long periods, it can lead to cardiovascular diseases, kidney diseases, damage the nerves and your eyes.
Symptoms of Diabetes In Smokers
If you smoke a lot of cigarettes in a day, you are at a high risk of developing diabetes. To determine whether you should pay a visit to your doctor or not, here is a list of symptoms of diabetes that you should be aware of:
1# Frequent Urination
An increase in the insulin levels causes fluids to move of the cells and cause loss of glucose in the system, which causes your bladder to fill up and results in frequent urination.
Also Read: Diabetics Don't Develop Diabetic Retinopathy Within 10 Years Of The Disease: Dr Rajesh
2# Increased Hunger
Due to the body’s inability to use glucose, the energy of our cells decreases and makes you feel hungry. Sudden feeling of hunger more than usual is a clear sign that there can be a logic behind elevated blood sugar levels in your body.
3# Weight Gain
If you are overweight or obese, you more likely to get diabetes. The extra weight around the belly can be a sign of diabetes.
4# Lethargy
As the body is unable to use the glucose in the blood due to lack of insulin, the cells are starved off their energy, which makes you feel tired.
5# Blurry Vision
High levels of glucose in the blood lead to a loss of fluids from the eyes. This hinders your vision, and you will not be able to see clearly.
Also Read: Timely Treatment And Prevention Of Diabetes In Kids Is A Must, Says Dr Harish Kumar
Other common symptoms of diabetes in smokers include:
- Irritability
- Darkening of skin
- Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low testosterone
- Dry mouth
- Itchy skin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweaty or clammy
- Nervousness
- Anxiety
- Frequent headaches
Also Read: Diabetes Care: Five Things That A Diabetic Should Keep In Mind To Stay Healthy
The Conclusion
Smoking is not just harmful. It is lethal. It has taken millions of lives in the past, and it will continue to do so unless it’s eliminated. Curtailing the habit is the best way out. It interrupts the proper functioning of the body and causes multiple health problems, including diabetes. Diabetes, in turn, can lead to various other issues. Curb the habit now to keep yourself away from these deadly diseases.
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