Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of avoidable death in the United States. It accounts for one out of every five, or almost 500,000 deaths each year. The statistics are even higher for people with diabetes. People who have diabetes and smoke are even more likely to develop heart disease or die before they otherwise might. There is also evidence linking cigarette smoking and complications of diabetes such as kidney and eye disease. Some research suggests smoking may also play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes. It is extremely important for people with diabetes to stop smoking or, better yet, never take up the habit
With diabetes and smoking, one plus one does not equal two. It equals four. The risks for heart disease increase exponentially. Because of the serious consequences of smoking, the American Diabetes Association suggests health care providers regularly evaluate their patients’ smoking history and willingness to quit. If your health care provider is not asking you, ask him or her or your pharmacist for information on programs, medications and other resources that may help you quit smoking
Weight Gain
Although not everyone who quits smoking is destined to tip the scales with a few extra pounds, a recent nationwide survey of 5,000 adults suggests that those who do quit are likely to gain about 10 pounds. One reason is that once you stop smoking, your metabolic rate slows down because your body no longer has to metabolize all the toxic substances cigarettes contain. So, you burn fewer calories. As taste buds recover and foods begin to taste better, you unconsciously may start eating more than you realize. Furthermore, you may eat more to compensate for the loss of oral stimulation that smoking provides, as well as to counter anxiety that nicotine withdrawal can cause. But health experts agree that this small weight gain is not a reason to continue smoking. Try some of these strategies to help keep your weight in check :
- Increase your physical activity
- Strive to increase the amount of vegetables, fruits and whole grains in your diet
- Eat breakfast. Many smokers skip this meal, since what they want in the morning is a cigarette
- Find new ways to get an "oral fix." Try chewing gum or sucking on hard candy (sugar-free), or crunch on a carrot or celery stalk
- Ask your health care provider about nicotine gum and patches to help you get through the first few months without cigarettes. These products are now available over-the-counter at your pharmacy
Remember that the immediate urge to smoke onlylasts a few minutes. Have a plan for things you can do to help you get through the "wave" of an urge.
