Smoking is also proven to be a risk factor for insulin resistance. Patients who are insulin resistant cannot use their bodily insulin properly.
Together with genetics and obesity, smoking is one of the risk factors for insulin resistance. Insulin resistance often leads to type 2 diabetes. In fact, smokers are 30–40% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than nonsmokers. And people with diabetes who smoke are more likely than nonsmokers to have trouble with insulin dosing and with controlling their disease.
The more cigarettes you smoke, the higher your risk for type 2 diabetes. No matter what type of diabetes you have, smoking makes your diabetes harder to control. If you have diabetes and you smoke, you are more likely to have serious health problems from diabetes. Smokers with diabetes have higher risks for serious complications, including:
- Heart and kidney disease
- Poor blood flow in the legs and feet that can lead to infections, ulcers, and possible amputation (removal of a body part by surgery, such as toes or feet)
- Retinopathy (an eye disease that can cause blindness)
- Peripheral neuropathy (damaged nerves to the arms and legs that causes numbness, pain, weakness, and poor coordination)
How to stop Smoking
- Prepare by making a list of things you can try when you have the urge to smoke. Take a walk, practice deep breathing, or do whatever works for you to get past cravings.
- Get motivated regularly not to smoke
- nicotine gum, lozenges, and patches improve your chances of success when you’re also in a quit-smoking program.
- Try to avoid stressful situations during Quit smoking.
- Being active can curb nicotine cravings.
- Even a 5-minute walk or stretch, cuts cravings and may help your brain produce anti-craving chemicals.
