Most people are aware smoking is bad for your health. Smoking is usually related to lung cancer and emphysema. However, many individuals are uninformed of the relationship between smoking and the complications of diabetes. According to the California Diabetes Program, smoking one cigarette impairs your body to properly use insulin by 15% thereby making it difficult to control your diabetes. Smoking affects the following body parts:

• Eyes

If you have vision problems (retinopathy), smoking can make them worse.

• Nerves

Smoking raises your risk for nerve damage (neuropathy). Nerve damage causes numbness, pain and digestive problems.

• Teeth

Smoking can increase your risk for gum disease. You can lose your teeth as a result.

• Heart

You are 11 times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke if you smoke and have diabetes.

• Feet and Legs

Smoking affects your circulation thereby causing poor blood flow in your legs and feet. This can lead to severe foot problems like infections and foot ulcers. 95% of people with diabetes who need amputations smoke.

• Kidneys

Smoking triples your chance of developing kidney disease. If you already have kidney problems your drugs do not work as well when you smoke.


If you currently smoke and have diabetes, now is the time to quit. Call 1-800-NO-BUTTS to get help. You do not want to further risk your health. Email at askard@stablebloodsugar.com if you have any more comments about this or any of my blogs. Allison