Quitting smoking is beneficial to everyone, but it has more immediate advantages for those with diabetes. The toxic substances found in cigarettes can damage cells and impair their ability to function correctly. This can lead to inflammation that reduces the effectiveness of insulin and makes managing blood sugar more challenging. Smoking is also linked to insulin resistance, a condition where the body cannot respond appropriately to insulin, leading to high blood sugar.
Dr. Ashok Rohilla, an MD DM Endocrinology SCE (Endo & Diabetes) RCP (UK) from Panipat, Haryana, India, explains the significant advantages of quitting smoking for individuals with diabetes. The following benefits can be experienced immediately after giving up smoking:
1. Better control of blood sugar levels: Stopping smoking can improve the response to insulin, making it easier to manage blood sugar levels.
2. Reduced risk of developing heart disease: Smoking constricts, strengthens and narrows blood vessels, reducing blood flow in the body. However, quitting smoking has both short- and long-term benefits, returning blood flow to normal. Within a year of quitting smoking, the additional risk of heart disease will decrease by half, while the risk of stroke will equal that of a non-smoker between two to five years after cessation.
3. Reduced risk of foot problems: Individuals with diabetes have an increased risk of foot infections, ulcers and peripheral vascular disease due to poor circulation. Smoking can reduce blood flow to the feet even further. However, circulation can improve within three weeks to two months of quitting smoking.
4. Reduced risk of eye disease: Smoking is damaging to the eyes and can lead to glaucoma and damage to the optic nerve. Diabetes can also affect the eyes and cause diabetic retinopathy, a sight-threatening eye condition. Quitting smoking can reduce the chances of developing these conditions as well as slow down their progression.
5. Reduced risk of oral infections and gum disease: Smoking increases the risk of gum disease, mouth and throat cancer, and oral fungus infections. Individuals with diabetes are also at higher risk of developing these conditions. Quitting smoking helps lower the risk of developing these diseases.
6. Reduced risk of kidney complications: Individuals with diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic nephropathy, a disease characterised by kidney damage. Smoking worsens this condition more quickly in those with the disease.
Therefore, quitting smoking can improve diabetes management by lowering the risk of serious complications. It is especially crucial to control exposure to indoor and outdoor pollution, which can affect asthma control severely. Keeping asthma under control means avoiding triggers, staying vigilant of asthma symptoms, and taking the medication as prescribed.
In conclusion, quitting smoking is essential for everyone, but individuals with diabetes can experience immediate advantages after giving up cigarettes. Quitting smoking can improve diabetes management and reduce the risk of developing severe complications, such as heart and kidney diseases, foot and eye problems, and oral infections and gum diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to spread awareness about the benefits of quitting smoking and encourage individuals to stop smoking by providing support and resources to quit the habit.
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