August 24, 2009
Smoking and Diabetes
Smoking on its own is associated with many different diseases and can be a risk factor for multiple types of cancer. But in a person with diabetes or a pre-diabetic there are specific risks that arise. There are some differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes and smoking hazards.
In type 1 diabetes, smoking is not a risk factor for being diagnoses because people with this type of diabetes were born with the genetic make-up to get the disease. But smoking can exacerbate the complications associated with poorly controlled diabetes. An increased risk of heart disease and cardiovascular problems is found in diabetic smokers. In type 1 diabetics who smoke the risk for kidney disease or kidney failure is increased.
In pre-diabetics or people who may be at higher risk to develop type 2 diabetes smoking is a contributing factor to a diagnosis that mitigates diabetes and obesity. Smoking increases the likelihood that their body will develop an insulin resistance and need insulin injections or medication in the future.