Quitting Smoking Reduces Type-2 Diabetes Risk By 30-40 %

As per a new study by World Health Organisation, quitting smoking can lower the risk of developing type-2 diabetes by 30-40 per cent.

According to a WHO statement, 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 and blindness, in addition to delaying the healing of wounds and enhancing the risk of lower limb amputations, WHO’s statement said.

“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,” said Akhtar Hussain, president of the IDF.

Quitting smoking also reduces the risk of diabetes complications, the UN agency said in its statement.

“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 Ruediger Krech, WHO’s Director of Health Promotion.