Do you smoke or use tobacco?
“Yes, I smoke.”
Because you have diabetes, you're already at higher risk for heart disease. But being a smoker doubles your chances of getting heart disease. Smoking is also dangerous for people with diabetes because it:
- Narrows your blood vessels
- Increases your risk for eye problems and other diabetes complications
- Damages blood vessels in your legs, boosting chances of amputation
The good news? Quitting has many benefits. Kicking the habit:
- Protects your eyes, blood vessels, nerves, kidneys, and other organs
- Keeps your family from being exposed to harmful secondhand smoke
- May help to improve your cholesterol, blood pressure, and circulation
Once you've decided to quit, talk with your doctor about the best strategy. You might choose to go cold turkey and never smoke again. Or, you could taper off slowly or use nicotine replacement products, such as patches or gum.
“No, I don't smoke.”
That's great! Smoking contributes to complications in people who have diabetes. Having one less risky behavior means you'll be better able to manage your diabetes and live a healthy life!