Smoking is not for Diabetics

The effects of smoking with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious consequences. Smoking increases the risks of all known complications associated with diabetes.

Smoking in particular puts a person at risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Diabetics in general are already at risk for heart attacks and strokes without the addition of smoking weakening their system. So it makes sense not to smoke if you want to avoid these types of problems. Type 1 diabetics can actually speed up the process of developing cardiovascular disease if they smoke.

Studies have shown that nicotine, a component of smoking, reduces the body’s sensitivity to insulin. For Type 2 diabetics and those that are considered pre-diabetic, their body is already having difficulty using insulin appropriately and effectively. Why make the body’s job harder by smoking?