Doctors Caution Diabetes Patients on Dangers of Smoking

Bengaluru: Ahead of World Diabetes Day, Sammprada Multispeciality Hospital in Bengaluru has issued a strong warning about the severe risks associated with smoking for people with diabetes.

Doctors from the hospital emphasized that smoking not only elevates the likelihood of developing diabetes but also intensifies health complications for those already diagnosed, making the disease significantly more challenging to manage.

"Studies have shown that people who smoke are at a much higher risk of developing diabetes compared to non-smokers," stated Dr Ravindra HS, Diabetologist at Sammprada Hospital.

He added, "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."

Dr Ravindra went on to explain the compounding risks of smoking for those managing diabetes. "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."

He further elaborated on the impact of smoking on blood sugar management and cardiovascular health, which are critical concerns for diabetic patients.

"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," he said.

Dr Ravindra stressed that quitting smoking is among the most crucial steps for diabetes patients seeking to improve their health and reduce the risk of severe complications.

“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 emphasized.

The doctors at Sammprada Multispeciality Hospital urge diabetes patients to consider smoking cessation as an essential component of their health regimen, underscoring its importance in reducing both immediate and long-term health risks.