Smokers with Diabetes Have Over Twice the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

1. Diabetic Smokers Face Over Twice the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Compared to Non-Smoking Diabetics
According to the 2023 International Diabetes Federation study titled "The Impact of Smoking on Diabetes Development and Progression" (Diabetes Care, 2023), smoking worsens insulin resistance and increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 30-40%. Furthermore, smoking significantly elevates the incidence of cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients.
Diabetic smokers are found to have more than twice the risk of cardiovascular disease compared to non-smoking diabetics. Smoking is particularly recognized as a major contributor to severe complications such as atherosclerosis. Additionally, it was revealed that smoking damages vascular function in diabetic patients through oxidative stress and inflammation, further increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

2. Smoking Increases Insulin Resistance and Rapidly Raises Blood Glucose Levels
Smoking increases insulin resistance, reducing the cells' response to insulin and hindering blood glucose control. This is a key factor in the development of diabetes. Smoking also stimulates the release of glucose-raising hormones (e.g., cortisol, adrenaline), further increasing blood glucose levels and complicating diabetes management while heightening the risk of complications.
Smoking enhances inflammatory responses in the body, exacerbating insulin resistance and damaging endothelial cell function. This worsens blood sugar regulation and raises the risk of atherosclerosis. Smoking also increases LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) levels while decreasing HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) levels, compounding the risk of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, smoking promotes the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), increasing oxidative stress.

3. Worsened Insulin Resistance Prevents Effective Absorption of Glucose from the Blood
When insulin resistance worsens, the body's sensitivity to insulin diminishes, impairing insulin's functionality. This can lead to the onset and progression of diabetes as well as various health issues. Cells in the muscles, fat, and liver fail to respond appropriately to insulin signals, hindering the effective absorption of glucose from the bloodstream. This results in abnormally high blood glucose levels and persistent hyperglycemia over time.
Such conditions further increase LDL cholesterol levels, promote vascular inflammation, and worsen atherosclerosis, ultimately leading to a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes. Impaired insulin function also triggers systemic inflammation, negatively affecting vascular and overall health. Smoking-induced ROS generation further increases oxidative stress, causing cellular damage and raising the risk of various diseases.

4. Therefore, Diabetics Must Quit Smoking
Smoking has highly detrimental effects on diabetics, worsening insulin resistance, complicating blood glucose control, and significantly increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. For these reasons, diabetics must quit smoking, as smoking cessation is crucial for diabetes management and complication prevention.
The methods for reducing or quitting smoking vary by individual, but appropriate therapies can support smoking reduction and eventual cessation. The key is to find a method that works for the individual and persistently strive towards quitting. Consulting with professionals to create a smoking cessation plan is also recommended.