A new study presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) has delivered a clear warning: smoking, vaping, and even smokeless nicotine products like snus significantly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Smoking increases the risk of all types of type 2 diabetes
Researchers confirmed that smoking is a major risk factor across all four subtypes of type 2 diabetes, not just one.
Both current and former smokers are at risk
The study showed that both people who currently smoke and those who have quit are more likely to develop diabetes compared to never-smokers.
Smoking strongly linked to insulin-resistant diabetes (SIRD)
Smokers were found to have the highest risk increase for the insulin-resistant subtype of type 2 diabetes.
Also read: Wegovy under threat: Scientists test new drug that reprograms fat for lasting weight loss
Smoking doubles the risk for SIRD
Both current and former smokers had more than double the risk of developing SIRD compared to non-smokers.
20 % increased risk of SIDD from smoking
SIDD, a severe insulin-deficient diabetes subtype, was 20 % more likely to develop in people who smoked.
Smoking increases risk of mild age-related diabetes (MARD) by 27%
People who smoked were 27 % more likely to develop the MARD subtype, which usually affects older adults.
29 % higher risk of mild obesity-related diabetes (MOD)
Smoking also raised the chances of developing the MOD subtype by nearly 30 %.
Also read: This everyday food could be ruining your gums, new research warns
The more you smoke, the worse it gets
Heavy smokers, defined as those who smoked 20 cigarettes a day for 15 years, had significantly higher risks across all diabetes subtypes.
MOD risk increases by 57 % among heavy smokers
The obesity-related subtype saw a 57 % higher risk in heavy smokers.
SIDD risk jumps by 52 % in heavy smokers
Severe insulin-deficient diabetes was also much more common among heavy smokers.
MARD risk rises 45 % in heavy smokers
Heavy smokers had almost a 50 % increased chance of developing age-related diabetes.
Also read: Make Fall Unforgettable with These Romantic Date Ideas
Using snus also increases diabetes risk
Smokeless tobacco users saw a 19 % increase in risk for SIDD and a 13 % increase for SIRD.
Nicotine is the real culprit
Researchers believe nicotine, regardless of how it’s consumed, may be driving the risk by impairing the body’s insulin response.
Vaping isn’t a safe alternative
Although marketed as safer, e-cigarettes still deliver high levels of nicotine that may increase diabetes risk.
Nicotine pouches carry similar dangers
Just like e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches don’t contain tobacco but still raise diabetes risk due to their high nicotine content.
Also read: Experts Recommend This Exercise to Prevent Falls as You Age
Smoking weakens the body’s response to insulin
This is particularly dangerous in the SIRD subtype, where insulin resistance is already a defining feature.
Former smokers are still at risk
Even people who have quit smoking carry a higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those who never smoked.
The myth that smoking reduces diabetes risk is false
Some believe smoking helps control weight and therefore lowers diabetes risk. This study proves the opposite is true.
Nicotine’s effects have been underestimated
People tend to focus on the dangers of smoke and tar, but nicotine itself is enough to increase diabetes risk.
Also read: How Your Sleep Position Affects Your Body and Health
Prevention starts with quitting
Researchers stress that avoiding all nicotine products, not just cigarettes, may be key to reducing type 2 diabetes risk.
This article is based on information from Medical News Today.