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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
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Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances known. Most people are exposed to it through smoking, which is very damaging to the body.
Smoking has many bad health effects for everyone. For people with diabetes, who already have a host of health concerns, smoking intensifies the health risks they face, especially when it comes to the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Smoking raises blood pressure levels, whether you're diabetic or not.
With 70% of diabetics already diagnosed with high blood pressure, smoking only makes it harder to control your diabetes. Smoking also constricts blood vessels. This can cause circulation problems in your feet and can contribute to a heart attack or stroke. If that wasn't enough, nicotine also raises blood sugar levels. It is not yet known whether nicotine addiction causes diabetes, but research on this is currently underway.
Not smoking is the key to this standard.
Stop Smoking! There's no way around it. Make a plan to quit – start by setting a quit date. Ask your family, friends and co-workers for support. There are medications out there that can help you, so get help from your doctor if you feel you want it. Keep trying even if you're not successful the first time. Don't give up – your health depends on it!
This article is a NetWellness exclusive. 
Last Reviewed: Jan 30, 2009
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David C Aron, MD, MS Professor of Medicine, Epidemiology and Biostatistics Associate Chief of Staff, VA Medical Center Division of Endocrinology School of Medicine Case Western Reserve University |
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Please note: only your personal physician or other health professional you consult can best advise you on matters of your health based on your medical history, your family medical history, your medication history, and how information from any of these databases may apply to you. Neither University of Cincinnati (NetWellness) nor any party involved in creating, producing or delivering this web site shall be liable for any damages arising out of access to or use of this web site, or any errors or omissions in the content thereof. (More) 
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