Smoking and diabetes:
Smoking is one of the factors that cause type 2 diabetes, as its incidence in smokers is 30-40% higher than in non-smokers. The more cigarettes consumed, the greater the chance of developing type 2 diabetes. Diabetics who smoke suffer from an inability to control blood sugar levels and control on insulin doses than non-smoking diabetics. Diabetes, along with smoking, narrow blood vessels in the body, which increases the chances of developing:

• Heart disease
• Kidney disease.
• Poor blood flow in the legs and feet, which can lead to infections, ulcers, and amputation.
• Retinopathy.
• Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage in arms and legs that causes numbness, pain and weakness).
• Quitting smoking will immediately benefit health as people with diabetes who quit smoking are better able to manage their blood sugar levels.

Quit smoking for diabetics:
The first step: knowing the benefits of quitting:

• Quitting smoking helps improve the function of the heart and lungs.
• Increases the ability to control diabetes and insulin doses well.
• Reduces the risk of damage to blood vessels, eyes, nerves and other organs.
• Reduces the appearance of wrinkles on the face
• Reduces the exposure of the family and those around them to passive smoking.

The second step is preparing for take-off:

• Set a date to quit smoking and tell friends and family.
• Choose a time when life is fairly calm and stress levels are low.
• Think about the reasons for quitting smoking and write them down.
• Dispose of cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays.
• Ask others for help and understanding.
• Ask a friend who smokes to think about quitting and encourage each other.

Step Three: Choosing a smoking cessation strategy:
When making the decision to quit smoking, you can go to anti-smoking clinics by booking an appointment through "Sehhaty" application so that the health care provider can develop the appropriate quit plan and monitor its success. Strategies can vary, which include:

• Quit smoking all at once.
• Quit smoking gradually by quitting over several weeks.
• Use smoking cessation methods to help reduce withdrawal symptoms.

You can use one or a combination of these steps and when applied you will feel healthier immediately and be healthier for the rest of your life.


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