 Q: Dear
Diabetes Educator:
I know I should quit smoking, but now my doctor is saying
that because I have diabetes I am at greater risk. What
does this mean?
Anxious Smoker
A: Dear Smoker:
Your doctor is correct; people with diabetes are at greater
risk for complications due to smoking. We all know
that smoking is associated with lung cancer, but smoking
also affects every organ in the body. Research suggests
that many different cancers are connected to smoking such
as throat cancer, mouth cancer and bladder cancer.
People with diabetes are already at an increased risk for
many illnesses and diseases including cardiovascular disease. According
to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes
are more prone to kidney and nerve damage, more frequent
colds, increased blood pressure and increase glucose levels. If
you combine these increased risks with the use of tobacco
products, including cigarettes, these risks become even more
substantial.
Smoking also affects the blood vessels by causing them to
constrict. Therefore, the oxygen which is carried by
the blood stream to all parts of the body for nourishment
does not get to the furthest parts of the body. This
can contribute to increased foot ulcers, necrosis in toes
and fingers and could eventually lead to amputations. Vision
is also affected by decreased blood flow.
There are many programs available to help someone stop smoking,
and it is never too late to stop. No matter how long
you have been smoking, you will experience improved health
when you stop. Talk to your doctor about quitting today
and he or she will help you get started “on the road
to good health.”
Kimball offers ongoing Diabetes Self-Management Classes
which are covered by Medicare and most Health Insurance plans,
as well as a Diabetes Support Group, held on the third Thursday
of every month from 1:30 – 3:30 pm at the Center for
Healthy Living at 198 Prospect Street in Lakewood on the
Kimball Campus. Smoking Cessation programs are also
available at Kimball and are offered by certified tobacco
treatment specialists from the Saint Barnabas Institute for
Prevention.
For further information or to register for Kimball’s
Diabetes Support Group or Diabetes Self-Management Class,
please call the Saint Barnabas Health Care Link at 1-888-SBHS-123
(888-724-7123). For further information about smoking
cessation programs and services, please call 732.886.4149
or visit www.instituteforprevention.com.
Date: June 4, 2009
CONTACT: Carrie Cristello
Director, Public Relations
732-923-6552
ccristello@sbhcs.com
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