Gom Mirian
A new brief developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the University of Newcastle has revealed that quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
They made the revelation on Tuesday in a publication made available on WHO’s website to commemorate the 2023 World Diabetes Day, stating that quitting smoking can lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by as much as 30 to 40 per cent.
The joint brief, aimed at raising awareness about the link between smoking and diabetes, highlights that type 2 diabetes is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide, accounting for over 95 per cent of all diabetes cases. With the IDF estimates that 537 million people live with diabetes globally, a number that continues to rise making diabetes the ninth cause of death globally.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels. It is closely associated with various lifestyle factors, including poor diet, lack of physical activity, and obesity. Smoking has not been directly linked to the development of diabetes, but it is known to increase the risk of numerous diseases, including cardiovascular problems.
The brief cited several scientific studies that demonstrate the correlation between smoking and type 2 diabetes, showing that quitting smoking not only reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but also substantially improves the management and reduces the risk of diabetes complications.
It added that evidence suggests that smoking influences the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels, which can cause type 2 diabetes. Smoking also increases the risk of diabetes-related complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, blindness, delayed wound healing and increased risk of lower limb amputations.
“The International Diabetes Federation strongly encourages people to stop smoking to reduce their risk of diabetes and, if they have diabetes, help avoid complications. We call on governments to introduce policy measures that will discourage people from smoking and remove tobacco smoke from all public spaces,” explains Prof. Akhtar Hussain, President of the International Diabetes Federation.
“The message is clear: quitting smoking is not just about healthier lungs and hearts; it’s also a concrete step in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.”
