Quitting smoking can lower diabetes risk, doctor reveals the truth

Diabetes is a long-term condition that affects how the body processes sugar, or glucose. In this disease, either the pancreas does not make enough insulin, or the body cannot use it properly. Over time, high blood sugar can damage organs and lead to serious complications, such as heart disease, kidney failure, vision loss, and nerve problems.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form, accounting for more than 95% of cases worldwide. Unlike type 1 diabetes, which is largely inherited and appears early in life, type 2 diabetes is influenced by lifestyle habits such as diet, physical activity, and smoking. Smoking, in particular, significantly raises the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and can worsen the disease for those who already have it.

We spoke to Dr Sandeep Kharb, Senior Consultant in Endocrinology at Asian Hospital, to understand how smoking affects diabetes and whether quitting can help.

How smoking affects diabetes risk

According to Dr Kharb, people who smoke are 30% to 40% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than non-smokers. Cigarettes contain chemicals that harm cells, trigger inflammation, and reduce the body’s ability to control blood sugar.

Nicotine, a major chemical in cigarettes, directly interferes with insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar. It makes the body less sensitive to insulin, a condition called insulin resistance. This leads to higher glucose levels in the blood. For people who already have diabetes, smoking can make blood sugar harder to manage, sometimes requiring higher doses of insulin or other medications.

Smoking also increases the risk of diabetes-related complications. People with diabetes who smoke are more likely to develop heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney problems, eye damage, poor circulation, and nerve damage. In severe cases, poor circulation can even lead to amputations. Dr Kharb warns that smoking can make these complications more severe and harder to treat.

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Benefits of quitting smoking for diabetics

Many people wonder if quitting smoking can reverse diabetes. Dr Kharb clarifies that stopping smoking will not cure the disease, but it can make it easier to manage and reduce the risk of complications. “The sooner you quit, the sooner your body can start to heal,” he says.

Some key benefits of quitting smoking for people with diabetes include:

• Better blood sugar control: Insulin starts working more effectively, making it easier to manage glucose levels.

• Improved insulin sensitivity: Quitting can reduce insulin resistance over time.

• Lower risk of complications: Heart, kidney, and eye problems become less likely.

• Faster recovery from surgery: The body heals more quickly without the harmful effects of smoking.

• Overall health improvement: Blood pressure and circulation improve, reducing the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Research shows that within just eight weeks of quitting smoking, the body’s insulin sensitivity begins to improve. This helps lower blood sugar levels and reduces the strain on the pancreas. Though it does not cure diabetes, quitting gives the body a powerful tool to manage the disease and prevent serious complications.

Dr Kharb emphasizes that quitting smoking is one of the most effective lifestyle changes a person with diabetes can make. Combined with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and proper medical care, stopping smoking can significantly improve quality of life and long-term health outcomes.

Family and friends can play a crucial role in supporting people who want to quit. Counseling, support groups, and nicotine replacement therapies are also useful tools to help smokers stop successfully.

In summary, while quitting smoking cannot reverse diabetes, it has clear benefits for managing the disease and reducing its risks. Smokers with diabetes should be encouraged to stop as early as possible, as this intervention can protect organs, improve blood sugar control, and prevent life-threatening complications.

Taking action now, rather than waiting, can make a significant difference in health and wellbeing. People should always consult their doctors or dietitians for personalised guidance when making lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking.