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Smoking is a harmful habit that poses a health threat to anyone. But those with diabetes are at a higher risk for serious health problems. Studies have shown that people with diabetes who smoke have elevated blood sugar levels. This makes it difficult to manage the condition and also increases the risk of developing complications such as cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure, nerve damage and blindness.

A recent study once again highlighted the harmful effects of smoking. Based on a study of blood samples obtained from smokers, it was found that the nicotine in cigarettes, when added to blood samples, increased the hemoglobin AIC levels in the blood by up to 34 percent. The researchers maintained that a similar effect takes place with diabetic individuals who smoke. Hemoglobin A1C is composed of hemoglobin and glucose and is indicative of the levels of blood sugar in the body. The fact that smoking is bad for health was known for a long time, but this study confirmed that nicotine is responsible for the various health complications that follow. The study also pointed out that individuals, who smoke and do not have diabetes, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. When the levels of hemoglobin A1C increase in the blood there is a higher chance that protein complexes from the heart, blood vessels and eyes may accumulate in the body tissues. This leads to blockages in blood flow and other health complications. Another important point is that nicotine patches and other such nicotine replacement products may also be unsafe for those with diabetes. This is because these products still contain nicotine and hence are likely to lead to elevations in A1C levels. Therefore the only way to reduce your risk of developing diabetes and other complications is to quit smoking.

Giving up smoking will significantly increase the benefits to your health. Just a few months after you quit, your blood flow will improve and your breathing will also be better. The risk of having a heart attack will reduce to half five years later. And in ten years, this risk will be about the same as it is for non-smokers. People who quit smoking live longer lives irrespective of the age at which they give up the habit. However quitting when you are younger is more beneficial. Also those who wish to get pregnant will have a higher chance of having a healthy baby. Apart from the benefits to your health, you will also notice certain other positive changes. Your sense of smell and taste will improve. Smoker’s cough will also ease and your stamina and endurance will increase. This is due to the reduced levels of carbon monoxide in the system. However emphysema and other such chronic lung complications may remain irreversible. Still another benefit is the amount of money you will save once you stop spending on cigarettes. The benefits of giving up smoking also apply to the people around you. Passive smoking is as harmful as smoking yourself. By continuing to smoke, you may increase the chances of lung and heart problems for others too.

Giving up the habit of smoking can be challenging task. Smoking leads to dependence both on a physical and psychological level. Therefore when you stop smoking you may experience an intense craving for cigarettes. Other symptoms of nicotine withdrawal include anxiety, irritability, headaches, sleeplessness and reduced concentration. Many people start by cutting down the number of cigarettes they smoke each day. This is worthwhile but it is much better to quit entirely especially if you have diabetes. You stand a chance of having a heart attack even by smoking just four or five cigarettes a day.

Here are some tips to quit smoking;

• Write down your reasons for giving up smoking and read through them whenever you feel the urge to light a cigarette.
• Write down the triggers that lead to your smoking and next to them, make a note of alternative ways to cope with those triggers.
• Keep a diary to record how you feel about the habit of smoking. Jot down details such as the time periods when you usually smoke, the places where you smoke and the people whom you smoke with and the reasons for all of them. Keep reviewing this diary after a few days so that you better understand your feelings and the triggers for smoking.
• Get rid of all cigarette lighters, matches and ashtrays from your home or workplace.
• Reward yourself for quitting by doing something you enjoy such as going to the movies or eating out at a nice restaurant.
• Tell your family members, friends and co-workers that you are quitting so that they can support you.
• If you are unable to kick the habit on your own, seek help. Ask your doctor for advice or join a support group.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.