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.