Impact of Smoking on Diabetes – How It Increases the Risk
You’ve likely seen the warnings about smoking’s dangers across various media channels. Even if the numbers aren’t familiar, everyone knows that smoking is bad for your health. Smoking harms almost every part of the body, increasing the risk of serious diseases such as cancer, chronic respiratory issues, and heart disease. These conditions are potentially life-threatening.
For people with diabetes in Kenya, smoking presents an even greater danger. Diabetes is a chronic illness that already affects various organs, and combining it with smoking significantly increases the risk of severe health complications.
Let’s explore the impact of smoking on diabetes.
Smoking Raises Blood Sugar Levels
Managing blood sugar levels is crucial for people with diabetes. However, if you smoke, controlling these levels becomes even more challenging. Smoking and the use of tobacco products increase insulin resistance, causing blood sugar levels to rise. If these elevated levels persist for long, the risk of developing complications such as heart attacks or strokes increases significantly.
Smoking Heightens the Risk of Heart Diseases
Diabetes already strains the cardiovascular system, and smoking worsens this burden. The risk of heart disease skyrockets when you combine diabetes with smoking. According to the American Heart Association, around 68% of adults aged 65 or older with diabetes die from heart disease, and 16% succumb to stroke. This emphasizes the urgency of managing both diabetes and smoking.
Smoking Leads to Respiratory Issues
One of the most direct effects of smoking is lung damage. In Kenya, where respiratory health is already a concern due to environmental factors, smoking only exacerbates these issues. For people with diabetes, the consequences are even more severe. According to the CDC, diabetic smokers are three times more likely to die from pneumonia and other lung infections than non-smokers.
Smoking Damages Vision
Studies show that people with diabetes are more prone to eye conditions like cataracts and glaucoma. Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, an eye disease that may cause blindness. Smoking accelerates the onset of these conditions, putting your eyesight at greater risk.
What Can You Do to Lower the Risk?
The most effective way to reduce smoking-related complications is to quit smoking altogether. Although quitting is tough, especially for those who are long-term smokers, taking small steps can help you along the way. Reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke daily and setting a clear goal to quit can lead to success over time.
Kenyan healthcare experts recommend involving your friends and family in your journey. A supportive system around you can provide encouragement and accountability as you work to quit smoking.
While quitting smoking, it’s equally important to improve your overall lifestyle to better manage diabetes. Focus on eating a balanced diet rich in local produce like leafy vegetables (sukuma wiki, spinach), lean proteins (like fish and chicken), and whole grains (such as sorghum and millet). Additionally, aim to engage in regular physical activity for at least 30-40 minutes a day.
By controlling diabetes and adopting a healthier lifestyle, you will not only reduce the risk posed by smoking but also improve your overall health and well-being.