Smoking and Diabetes: Why Quitting Improves Blood Sugar Levels
- QuitSure Team
- Sep 2
- 6 min read
The habit of smoking is something that touches almost every organ in your body. Although the danger of lung cancer and heart disease is widely available, not many people understand the effect of smoking on blood sugar levels, especially among diabetics. It is important to know this relationship in case you have diabetes or prediabetes.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) also reports that heavy smokers face a 44% higher risk of type 2 diabetes, while people who smoke more than 20 cigarettes daily increase their risk by 61%.
Immediate and long-term help in quitting smoking, stabilising blood sugar, and mitigating the risk of complications. This article discusses the impact of smoking on diabetes, the advantages of quitting, and how apps such as the QuitSure App can help you through the stages of quitting smoking.
How Does Smoking Affect Blood Sugar Levels?
Blood Sugar Spikes
Smoking reduces the body’s ability to use insulin effectively, a condition known as insulin resistance. This means your body needs more insulin to process the same amount of glucose. A study published by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that smokers are 30–40% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to non-smokers.
Insulin Resistance
Smoking also lowers the body's response to insulin, a factor referred to as insulin resistance. It implies that it requires more insulin in your body to handle the same volume of glucose. A study conducted by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established that smokers were 30-40% more prone to developing type 2 diabetes than non-smokers.
Higher Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Not only does smoking worsen existing diabetes, but it also increases the chances of developing it in the first place. Research from the World Health Organisation (WHO) shows that smoking increases the risk of type 2 diabetes by 44% in heavy smokers and 61% in people who smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day.
Poor Circulation and Healing
Smoking also harms blood vessels and decreases the blood flow that makes it harder to heal the body. In diabetic patients, this increases the risk of foot ulcer, infection and long-term wounds. According to the American Diabetes Association, individuals with diabetes who smoke are twice as prone to develop circulation issues and heart disease.
Long-Term Complications
The long-term effect of constantly high blood sugar due to smoking is kidney disease, nerve damage, and vision problems. Smoking and diabetes lead to an increased chance of a heart attack and stroke.
The Stages of Quitting Smoking
There is no immediate process of quitting smoking. It is a progression of quit-smoking phases, each having its challenges and milestones. Knowing these stages will enable you to prepare both psychologically and physically for the journey and your success in the long run.
Stage 1: Precontemplation
At this phase, the smokers might not be planning to quit. They can know about the risks but not be ready to change. This step is usually hard due to the need to learn how smoking has a unique impact on blood sugar and general health in people with diabetes. Some important aspects of this stage include education and awareness.
Stage 2: Contemplation
In this case, smokers begin to think about quitting. They balance the advantages and the difficulties, and they tend to get information about the ways and means of assisting them in quitting. In diabetic patients, it is a perfect time to discuss with medical specialists ways in which smoking cessation and management of blood sugar levels could be enhanced.
Stage 3: Preparation
In the preparation phase, smokers have a concrete plan for quitting. This can involve determination of a quit date, eliminating cigarettes in the home, and establishing triggers. Quit-smoking apps like the QuitSure App, which provides tips on each stage to quit smoking, are also used by many people.
Stage 4: Action
The action step entails the proactive smoking cessation. This may be difficult because the withdrawal of nicotine usually leads to craving, irritability, and inability to concentrate. The degree of diabetic patients is not always constant, and it is therefore necessary to monitor blood sugar levels. This step can be easier with the help of apps, support groups, or professional guidance.
Stage 5: Maintenance
After quitting, the next step is the maintenance stage, which aims at preventing relapse. The phase is vital in the development of long-term success and better management of diabetes. The QuitSure app has support systems, reminders and tracking habits that will aid in keeping you committed and embracing healthy lifestyle changes.
Stage 6: Relapse (Optional but Common)
Relapse is a common part of the quitting journey, but it should never be seen as a failure. Many people go through multiple attempts before achieving long-term success. What truly matters is understanding your triggers, learning from setbacks, and getting back on track.
The good news is that the chances of relapse can be reduced with the right support.
QuitSure is designed to address the root causes of smoking addiction, both physical and psychological.
By retraining your mindset, managing cravings, and offering science-backed techniques, QuitSure significantly lowers the chances of relapse and helps you return to your quit-smoking journey stronger than before.
Exercise to Promote Blood Sugar Management During Quitting.
Cessation of smoking works better with lifestyle modification that helps in maintaining blood sugar levels. The following are the tips for diabetics:
Balanced Diet
Focus on a diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid foods with high sugar levels that may lead to blood glucose surges. Small and frequent meals will also play a role in ensuring that blood sugar levels are maintained when taking nicotine.
Regular Exercise
Exercise also enhances insulin sensitivity and aids in the regulation of sugar. Even moderate exercise, walking, or bicycling may aid in smoking control as well as diabetes control.
Adequate Sleep
Sleep is highly important in the regulation of blood sugar. Sleep deprivation may lead to a desire to smoke and consume unhealthy foods. Get quality sleep to help with quitting and controlling diabetes.
Blood Sugar Monitoring
Frequent observation is critical when going through the quit-smoking phases. Monitor your glucose level to note improvements and change medicines and lifestyle plans accordingly.
Why Should You Trust QuitSure?
The stages of quitting smoking require choosing the appropriate support system. QuitSure is transforming many smokers who make attempts to quit but later relapse due to lack of the right guidance. That is why QuitSure is unique:
Clinically Proven
QuitSure is not any ordinary app but one supported by scientific research and proven strategies. It aids individuals to quit smoking in a safe, efficient and non-willpower-based manner, and this makes it a reliable option for those who are serious about the idea of becoming smoke-free.
Best Overall Quit Smoking App
QuitSure is the top-rated quit-smoking app known to grow fast, and thousands of users around the world trust it. Its systematic approach and ease of use make it a favourite among individuals who want credible advice during the quit-smoking process.
Ranked No.1 in the Health Category
QuitSure has been ranked No.1 in the health category both in the Play Store and the App Store. Such a ranking demonstrates its popularity, efficiency, and the trust and confidence that its world users have in it.
40,000+ Smoke-Free Members
QuitSure has established a successful Facebook group of over 40,000 smoke-free members. This group provides motivation every day, real-life stories and robust peer support, demonstrating that smoking can be quit with support and experience.
24x7 Expert Support
QuitSure offers expert assistance 24x7, so that whenever a craving hits or a question arises, help is never far away. This unlimited access to professional assistance simplifies the quit process and helps users feel loved at all steps of the process.
100% Money-Back Guarantee
QuitSure guarantees money back with its approach, as it is sure of its approach. The programme is a complete risk-nothing as a way to invest in their health in the long run since users are given money back in case they fail to quit smoking.
Conclusion
Smoking is very decisive regarding blood sugar and health conditions, particularly in diabetic individuals. You can reap the short-term and long-term health effects by becoming aware of the relationship and by committing to quit. The systematic approach to the quit smoking stages and the support tools, such as the QuitSure app, can greatly improve your success.
When you are willing to be in charge of your own health and get your blood sugar under control, the QuitSure app can help you through the process with expert advice, personalised plans, and ongoing support. Begin your quit smoking today and see the rewards of stopping to manage your diabetes.
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