It has been proven that smoking affects the health of many people in a variety of ways. Diabetics are no exception. In fact, smoking can affect a diabetic more severely than a person who does not have the disease. If you are a diabetic, do not begin smoking. If you already have, it is advised to stop immediately.
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), smoking can actually cause Type 2 diabetes. In fact, smokers are 30 to 40% more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than non-smokers. Therefore, not only should diabetics avoid cigarettes, but even smokers without the disease should take caution.
What is diabetes?
This disease is caused when blood sugar levels do not regulate like the average person’s. Our pancreas makes a hormone called insulin that helps glucose get into various cells in the body. When you suffer from diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin or it doesn’t use it well. Therefore, glucose gets into the blood steam instead of the cells.
Below are several types of issues that smoking can cause a diabetic:
- Heart and kidney disease
- Retinopathy (an eye disease that can eventually cause blindness)
- Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage to arms and legs that can cause numbness)
- Poor blood flow to the legs and feet, which can lead to serious infections, ulcers and possible amputation
- Dental care problems more serious than in non-diabetics
If you are a diabetic and a serious smoker, you should consider making the switch to an electronic cigarette, an alternative to traditional smoking. The popularity of e-cigarettes is on the rise, and many who have switched are happy with the results.
