Smoking and Diabetes: The Risks and Reality of Combining the Two

“Smoking in diabetes is dangerous to health”, we all have heard this phrase a zillion times. It has a negative impact on every organ of the body and increases the risks of fatal diseases like heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and many types of cancer. But what many don’t know is the killing combination of diabetes and smoking raises the risk of health complications by 50%

Diabetes is like a slow poison that affects all the major organs of the body: liver, kidney, heart, and the brain; causing fatal consequences if not kept under control. Smokers are 30–40% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than non-smokers. Not just that! Smoking also results in fatal consequences with accelerated speed. 

Why is it a dangerous combo?

Smoking makes diabetes harder to control. And the worst part is it’s not only active smoking that wreaks the havoc even passive smoking means sharing the space with a smoker can also cast the same damage.

Cigarettes contain a compound called nicotine which makes the blood vessels harden and narrow, thus restricting the blood flow through the body. Research shows that smoking may raise the risk of glucose intolerance and the accumulation of abdominal fat, both of which have shown worse effects on diabetes. Smoking for a diabetic patient is like adding more power to the poison that was slowly killing the individual from inside. 

Following are detailed effects of smoking on a diabetic patient:

• Smoking and diabetes both cause constriction of blood vessels which results in higher risks of getting cardiovascular diseases, heart attack and stroke.
• High risks of Kidney diseases.
• Both diabetes and smoking lead to poor blood circulation which results in infections, ulcers, and amputations.
• Smoking in diabetes can cause sustained damage to cells and tissues, increasing the risk of inflammation.
• Diabetes is known to be a high risk for retinopathy causing eye damage like cataracts and glaucoma and smoking amplifies the risk by many folds.
• Diabetic patients who smoke are likely to experience nerve damage which can cause pain, tingling, and mobility impairments.

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to fatal results due to smoking. About 25% of smokers develop diabetes. Among them, around 75% are at higher risk of developing terminal diseases like cancer and heart failure.

Also Read: White Foods – Ayurvedic Doctor reveals the truth

Tips to live a Cigarette-free life

• Cigarette smoking and diabetes are reining the current scenario and both fatally affect all the strata of the society. Quitting cigarette smoking is the first and most essential step in diabetes management. Here are some easy, simple and effective ways to drop the cigarette and manage diabetes the Ayurvedic way.
• One teaspoon of Ajwain can help to lessen the cravings for nicotine.
• Consumption of 2-3 leaves of Holy basil can help reduce the craving for smoking as well as remove the toxins due to smoking. It is also effective in diabetes management.
• Practice Pranayama daily
• Consumption of herbal tea like chamomile is another best detox component that can reduce the craving of smoking.
• Take your diabetes for a walk in the park.
• Check out the natural tips to reverse diabetes.
• Add Karela Jamun juice to your diet.
• Consult an Ayurvedic physician

Apart from these tips, a healthy and focused approach can only help to quit smoking!