How does smoking affect individuals with diabetes?

Individuals with diabetes who smoke face an increased risk of complications and a worsening of insulin resistance. Smoking has been shown to negatively impact various aspects of cardiovascular health, respiratory function, and overall inflammatory responses, which are crucial considerations for those managing diabetes.

For people with diabetes, insulin resistance is a significant factor in controlling blood sugar levels. When insulin resistance worsens, the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, making it more difficult to manage glucose levels effectively. This can lead to higher blood sugar levels and an increased risk of long-term complications such as heart disease, neuropathy, kidney damage, and retinopathy.

In addition to these effects, smoking may also interfere with diabetes medications, and combined with the stress effects of nicotine, it can lead to further metabolic disturbances. All of these factors highlight why smoking is particularly detrimental for individuals with diabetes, reinforcing the importance of smoking cessation in their management plan.