Quitting smoking reduces risk of type 2 diabetes by 30 to 40 per cent: WHO and IDF

The brief stated, "Quitting even after the development of T2D is critical in preventing a worsening of many serious comorbidities linked with the disease."

According to IDF estimates, 537 million people have diabetes, and the number continues to rise making diabetes the ninth cause of death globally. T2D is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide, accounting for over 95% of all diabetes cases. However, the condition is often preventable.

Quitting smoking reduces the risk of developing T2D but also substantially improves its management and reduces the risk of complications associated with diabetes. Evidence suggests that smoking influences the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels, which can cause type 2 diabetes.

Smoking also raises the risk of diabetes-related complications such as kidney failure, cardiovascular disease, and blindness. Smoking also delays wound healing and raises the lower limb amputation risk.

The policy brief summarizes the evidence on the health impacts of type 2 diabetes, smoking and pathophysiology of tobacco use and its role in type 2 diabetes development.

The brief also describes the latest data on newer products that target potential smokers or smokers, including new nicotine and tobacco products, smokeless tobacco and their relationship with type 2 diabetes. For instance, evidence suggests that even with smokeless tobacco, heavy use or high consumption increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as the products often contain nicotine, which is known to contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes and related health conditions.

The brief also summarized evidence on the effectiveness of tobacco control interventions among type 2 diabetes patients, including a discussion of a systematic review of six studies indicating that interventions focusing on education and the involvement of pharmacists and healthcare professionals can be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.

“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.

“Health professionals play a vital role in motivating and guiding individuals with type 2 diabetes in their journey to quit tobacco. Simultaneously, governments must take the crucial step of ensuring all indoor public places, workplaces and public transport are completely smoke-free. "These interventions are essential safeguards against the onset and progression of this and many other chronic diseases,” said Dr Ruediger Krech, WHO, Director of Health Promotion.

Key takeaways from the brief:

• Smoking exacerbates the known serious complications of diabetic neuropathy and foot ulcers with type 2 diabetes while further impeding wound healing.
• Smoking also causes damage to retinal blood vessels already at risk with type 2 diabetes, increasing the risk of diabetic retinopathy and vision loss.
• Quitting tobacco use can help prevent those and other major health complications already linked to diabetes, including kidney failure and cardiovascular events.
• Studies show that key misconceptions among smokers with type 2 diabetes that can prevent cessation include concerns about post-cessation weight gain, the influence of peers who smoke, and the psychological aspect of addiction.
• Clinicians are urged to provide advice on how to stop smoking to all tobacco users during a routine consultation or interaction, which can be accomplished in only a few minutes.

Research remains limited on some issues, including the effectiveness of tobacco control interventions and smoking cessation methods for patients with type 2 diabetes.

Reference:

The policy brief was jointly developed by the World Health Organization, the International Diabetes Federation, and the University of Newcastle.