Smoking Dangers for Diabetics

Most smokers know that smoking can cause lung cancer but often they are not aware of all of the other health risks. Here are some problems that Kaishawn McDuffie, RN, BSN, CDE, and a certified diabetes educator has to say:

1. Smoking raises your blood sugar level, making it harder to control your diabetes.

2. Smoking increases your cholesterol levels and the levels of some other fats in your blood, raising your risk of a heart attack.

3. Smoking damages and constricts the blood vessels. This damage can worsen foot ulcers and lead to blood vessel disease and leg and foot infections.

4. Smokers with diabetes are more likely to get nerve damage and kidney disease.

5. People with diabetes who smoke are three times as likely to die of cardiovascular disease as are other people with diabetes.

To learn more about other risks listed by the American Diabetes Association, visithttp://www.diabetes.org/type-1-diabetes/smoking.jsp.