Individuals who smoke for so long can acquire type 2 diabetes. If these individuals already have diabetes, excessive smoking makes it more difficult to control and manage their blood glucose. It will also make other health concerns get worse.
While quitting your smoking habit can be a complex undertaking, it is the most significant thing to do for your well-being. Receiving enough support from your family and acquaintances assists you in cutting back on your smoking addiction.
How is smoking associated with the condition?
The active ingredient in cigarettes is nicotine. This is the chemical responsible for the spike in blood sugar. Here are other ways that best explain the link between diabetes and smoking.
- Excessive supply of nicotine in the body triggers insulin resistance. Once this occurs, insulin usage becomes impaired.
- Cigarettes contain different chemicals that trigger inflammation. When inflammation occurs, it is difficult for the body to use insulin properly.
- Individuals who smoke a lot can gain weight rapidly. This can lead to diabetes.
Complications
Individuals who smoke a lot and do not manage their diabetes well have a high chance of having different health complications. These are as follows:
- Eye problems
- Kidney failure
- Erectile dysfunction
- Heart complications
- Stroke or coma
- Nerve damage
One of the main side effects of smoking is the inability to get a night of quality sleep. The presence of nicotine can keep you awake. This is also what you’ll experience once you start quitting. As you discuss with your healthcare professional, they will assist you in finding a better way to get a good sleep.
Takeaway
Besides smoking, other factors play a vital role in developing the condition. Smoking alone does not contribute to individuals getting type 2 diabetes. Some of these factors include:
- Physical and emotional stress
- Overweight or obesity
- Family history of the disease
- Lack of physical exercise
- Hypertension and heart problems
As you quit smoking, you will see a positive change in your blood glucose. Quitting a particular addiction that only contributes to a medical condition helps improve your well-being.
Discuss with your healthcare professional the side effects of withdrawal. Your healthcare professional will assist you in overcoming such an addiction and recommend ways to handle the effects of quitting your smoking habit.
