Tobacco smoking is an important factor in the development of
complications of the eyes, kidneys and blood vessels. It is extremely
unusual for a person with diabetes to have a leg amputated due to
blocked blood vessels unless they smoke.
While quitting may not be easy, it could be the best thing you can do
to prevent the complications of diabetes.
Your blood sugar level
Research has found that smoking raises your blood sugar level, making
it harder to control your diabetes. This is probably because nicotine
and other products of smoking make it more difficult for insulin to work
properly. It also raises high blood sugar levels.
Your heart
If you smoke and have diabetes, you are more likely to have a heart
attack and three times more likely to die of cardiovascular disease.
Uncontrolled blood glucose levels cause blood vessels to narrow.
Smoking makes blood cells stick together and blood vessel walls more
sticky, so that fat attaches to the vessel walls even faster. Fat
deposits can block blood vessels, which leads to heart attack and
stroke.
The nicotine in cigarettes increases your heart rate, and the carbon
monoxide in cigarettes reduces oxygen in the blood. This means your
heart has to work harder.
Your circulation
Smoking slows the circulation in the smaller blood vessels. People
with diabetes are more likely to suffer from poor circulation in their
feet and legs.
Smoking can also aggravate foot ulcers, foot infections and blood
vessel disease in the legs.
Your eyes
Diabetes can block the tiny blood vessels in the eyes, a condition
called retinopathy. If you smoke, it is likely you will experience even
more trouble with your sight.
Your kidneys
Smoking increases the risk of life-threatening kidney disease in
those with diabetes. It may be due to a temporary increase in blood
pressure and the effects of cigarette smoke on chemicals in the body
that control kidney function.
Your sex life
If you are a man who smokes and has diabetes, you are more likely to
experience problems having an erection.
Smoking slows down blood flow and blocks blood vessels in the penis,
and nerve damage may reduce sensation.
Your joints
If you smoke and have diabetes, you increase the likelihood of
reducing movement and flexibility in your joints.
Your nerves
If you have diabetes, smoking will increase the risk of nerve damage
in all parts of your body, a condition which leads to numbness and
sometimes pain. It may be that smoking damages the blood vessels that
carry oxygen and nutrients to the nerves.
Your teeth
If you smoke and have diabetes, you will have a greater chance of
developing gum disease and losing your teeth.
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