Smoking affects all people who smoke. However, for people with another illness, such as diabetes, smoking worsens symptoms and makes the illness harder to manage. India has the second largest population (1210 million) and number of people with diabetes (69 million) and tobacco users (275 million) after China. Both diabetes prevalence and tobacco use are increasing rapidly in India. Smoking is strongly linked to the risk of diabetes, morbidity as well as mortality. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in 2003 and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in 2004 have both strongly recommended that people with diabetes not smoke because of increased risk of diabetes complications.
The main ingredient in cigarettes is tobacco. Tobacco is a green, leafy plant that is grown in warm climates. Farmers use many chemicals to grow tobacco. They use fertilizers to make the soil rich and insecticides to kill the insects that eat the tobacco plant. After the tobacco plants are picked, they are dried, and machines break up the leaves into small pieces.
Artificial flavours and other chemicals are added. Some chemicals are put in cigarettes to keep them burning, otherwise, they would go out. There are over 4,000 chemicals in cigarettes. 51 of them are known to cause cancer.
Yes. Tobacco can increase blood sugar levels and leads to resistance of insulin in the body. Studies have shown an increase in the occurrence of diabetes among smokers i.e. smokers are three times at more risk of developing diabetes than non-smokers.
Diabetes is a chronic disease and if not managed properly can lead to long-term complications such as heart disease, kidney disease (nephropathy), nerve disease (neuropathy), eye disease (retinopathy) and foot disease. Smoking combined with diabetes increases the risk and severity of diabetes complications.
Smoking can in fact accelerate the onset of diabetes related complications due to its (damage to the inner lining of blood vessels).
As smoking increases blood sugar levels, maintaining good blood sugar count can be difficult for smokers. It is clearly established that smoking is a fairly large and independent risk factor for heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease in people with diabetes. Smokers are also more at risk for nerve and kidney damage.
About 20% of deaths from heart diseases are attributed to smoking. Smoking can damage the lining of the blood vessels and cause the build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries (atherosclerosis). It raises the heart rate and blood pressure by causing narrowing of the blood vessels (vasoconstriction). It increases the likelihood of forming blood clots in the arteries leading to heart attacks. It reduces the flow of oxygen to the heart and damages the heart muscles.
Quitting smoking can be difficult, but it is possible. Ex-smokers enjoy a better quality of life, have fewer diseases and an increased lifespan compared to those who continue to smoke.
There is no evidence that e-cigarettes are a healthier alternative to smoking. Cessation is the best advice.
Excess weight and obesity not only affect how we look in the mirror but also…
Managing diabetes during Ramadan is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. It's important to…
Summer is here and the warm sun's rays are bringing with them, endless opportunities for…
World Diabetes Day, observed annually on November 14, stands as a pivotal occasion dedicated to…
Authors: Dr. V. Mohan, Chairman & Chief Diabetologist | Ms. Umasakthy, Registered Dietitian Latent autoimmune…
View Comments
Sir my self life time member of your clinic my L. No. 2255 and M. No. 1529106 dt. 7.9.12
I m not getting your monthly magazine because my adress is changed mobile no. Changed please help me my new address is
R. Prasaad
Prachi Apartment Desbadhupara near sur bakery
Siliguri west Bengal Pin. 734004
Mob. No. 9002041802