If you're a smoker and have been diagnosed with diabetes, giving up the habit is one of the most positive things you can do to both improve your health and reduce your risks of the long-term complications associated with the condition. Smoking is also associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Everyone risks damaging their health through smoking a cigarette, pipe or cigar, but for people with diabetes the risk may be even greater.
If you have diabetes, you already have an increased chance of developing cardiovascular disease, such as a heart attack, stroke or circulatory problems in the legs.
Combine this with smoking (which can also double your risk of complications) and you make the chances of developing these diseases even higher.
So at your annual review, your healthcare professional will check if you smoke. Letting your healthcare team know whether you smoke will help them guide you on support for stopping smoking. Even if you've never smoked, letting your healthcare team know this will help them to understand your overall health.
Giving up smoking
Giving up can be hard, but you don't have to carry the burden of quitting on your own. It has been shown that you are more likely to quit if you get the right support. Whichever method you choose, there are clear benefits from quitting and plenty of support to help you.
Stop smoking help
- Smokefree
- Call the NHS Smokefree Helpline on 0300 123 1044
There are various treatments available to help you stop smoking, ranging from nicotine replacement therapies to prescription medication. For further information including 10 tips to help you give up, go to the NHS Choices website.
