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Smoking is widely known to cause significant health issues, but its effects on individuals with diabetes are particularly alarming. According to Dr. V Mohan, Chairman of Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, smoking can exacerbate the risk of heart disease, stroke, and make diabetes management considerably more challenging.
In a recent post on the social media platform X.com, Dr. Mohan outlined how smoking impacts those with diabetes. He emphasized that smoking increases insulin resistance, making it harder for the body to respond to insulin. This leads to higher blood sugar levels and worsens diabetes control.
“Smoking makes it harder for your body to respond to insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels and worsening diabetes control,” stated Dr. Mohan. He also highlighted that smoking raises the risk of severe complications such as heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
Moreover, smoking negatively affects blood pressure and cholesterol levels, both of which are critical factors in managing diabetes effectively. It also impairs blood circulation, which can lead to serious complications.
“Smoking damages blood vessels, reducing blood flow and increasing the risk of foot ulcers and infections that can lead to amputations,” Dr. Mohan explained. He warned that people with diabetes who smoke are more likely to experience fatal health outcomes compared to non-smokers, including a significantly higher risk of total mortality and cardiovascular mortality.
The severity of this issue is underscored by a 2023 study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in collaboration with Dr. Mohan and other researchers. The study revealed that India has 101 million individuals with diabetes, 136 million with prediabetes, 315 million with hypertension, and 213 million with high cholesterol.
Dr. Mohan’s advice is clear: “Take charge of your health: quit smoking and manage your diabetes better.” His message is a crucial reminder of the heightened risks smoking poses to people with diabetes and the importance of quitting to improve health outcomes.
