How smoking worsens diabetes?

The relation between smoking and diabetes has become a major topic of study and research due to smoking being a major contributor to the development of type 2 diabetes. In addition, smoking worsens the existing diabetic conditions due to several key mechanisms. If you are unsure about your blood sugar levels and have a family history of diabetes or live a sedentary lifestyle, then it is highly advisable to check your blood sugar levels by consulting a top diabetes doctor in Siliguri or a location near you. 

An experienced diabetologist can also help in better diabetes management by explaining factors that are crucial in managing blood sugar levels. This blog will shed light on an important and frequently discussed topic of how smoking worsens diabetes. Let us start by knowing what causes diabetes.

What Causes Diabetes?

Here are some of the common causes of diabetes:

• Autoimmune reaction: This is a major cause for the development of type 1 diabetes. Autoimmune reaction causes the immune system of the body to mistakenly attack insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas by considering the cells as alien objects. Thus, there occurs a deficiency in insulin production that is necessary for regulating blood sugar levels. According to clinical studies and research, people with genetic conditions or viral infections can develop an autoimmune reaction. 

• Insulin resistance: This is a major cause of type 2 diabetes, where the cells in the liver, fat, and muscles are not able to respond properly to insulin production. As a result of the insulin resistance, the glucose cannot enter the cells, which in turn leads to a rise in blood sugar levels. Despite the extra efforts of the pancreas to compensate by producing more insulin, it cannot continue such efforts for a long time. Therefore, there occurs a rise in blood glucose levels, which in this case is type 2 diabetes.

• Genetics and family history: Genetic or family history of diabetes can lead to the development of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Although the chances are high, it is not guaranteed because other factors also play a vital role. Clinical studies have found that a family history of type 2 diabetes is strongly linked to increased risk of developing the same as compared to type 1 diabetes. One of the major factors behind this is that family members tend to share similar lifestyles and food habits. 

• Lifestyle factors: This is a common cause of developing type 2 diabetes. It has been observed that lifestyle factors, such as excessive body weight (obesity), poor dietary habits, smoking, drinking, and lack of physical activity, are major contributors to the development of type 2 diabetes. All of these lifestyle choices can lead to increased insulin resistance, which in turn increases blood glucose levels. 

• Hormonal imbalances: This condition leads to the development of gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy. Hormonal imbalances during pregnancy might lead to the placenta releasing hormones, which cause insulin resistance. However, gestational diabetes occurs in such a situation when the pancreas is unable to compensate. 

Know How Smoking Can Worsen Diabetes?

Smoking can worsen diabetes in the following ways:

• By increasing insulin resistance: Chemicals present in cigarettes, such as nicotine, cause inflammation and damage cells. Thus, the cells in the liver, muscles, and fat cannot respond properly to insulin. It is a well-known fact that individuals with existing type 2 diabetes already suffer from insulin issues, and exposure to smoking further worsens the condition.  Therefore, diabetic individuals with smoking habits tend to experience high blood sugar levels. 

• By increasing blood sugar levels: Cigarette smoking leads to higher A1c levels and unstable blood glucose levels. Thus, it becomes immensely challenging for diabetic individuals to manage blood sugar levels if they are into smoking habits. One of the worst-case scenarios associated with poor diabetes management is an increased risk of diabetic complications. Thus, smoking increases blood sugar levels and makes a diabetic individual prone to further complications. 

• By worsening neurological condition and the eye: Clinical studies have found that diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy worsen due to smoking. This is because the oxygen supply to the nerves and retina gets hampered. Thus, it has been observed that diabetic individuals with smoking habits are exposed to the risk of blindness or vision loss. On the other hand, numbness or pain due to diabetic neuropathy can increase due to smoking habits.

• By increasing cardiovascular risks: Smoking and diabetes are both enemies of cardiovascular health. Clinical studies have found that the chances of heart disease and stroke increase for diabetic individuals with smoking habits. High blood sugar levels for a prolonged period tend to damage the blood vessels of the heart. Overall, bad cholesterol levels and elevated blood pressure are enhanced by smoking habits in diabetic individuals. 

• By accelerating kidney disease: One of the leading causes of kidney disease is diabetes, and smoking further worsens it by impairing blood flow to the kidneys. Thus, individuals with smoking habits and an existing diabetic condition are exposed to the risk of kidney damage. 

Final Thoughts

It has become important to raise awareness related to the harmful effects of smoking on human health. If you are a diabetic individual, then the mentioned harmful effects of smoking on diabetes need to be considered with utmost priority. 

However, smoking is not the only factor that is creating difficulties in diabetes management. Thus, it is advised to visit a top diabetes clinic, such as Kins Diabetes, so that holistic diabetes management strategies can be learnt through expert insights.

If you are struggling with diabetes management, consult the best diabetes doctor in Siliguri or a location near you now