Diabetics! Don’t suck that butt!
May 3, 2006 by admin
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
(For more on smoking and your health, check out some of the other Science & Health blogs to the right, many of whom are addressing the topic of smoking today.)
The American Diabetes Association recommends in the strongest possible terms that people who suffer from diabetes should stop smoking. They outline the health risks that diabetics should watch out for, most of which we are already prone to but which are aggravated by smoking.
Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches body tissue, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke, as well as miscarriage or stillbirth for pregnant women. (If you are pregnant, diabetic AND you smoke? I really don’t know what to say to you about that. Perhaps a crack habit would tie things up nicely.)
Smoking increases your cholesterol and fat levels in your blood, increasing the risk of a heart attack.
Smoking can damage and constrict blood vessels, which can result in foot ulcers, blood vessel disease and leg and foot infections. Like you don’t already have to worry enough about having your feet amputated as it is. Is smoking sexy? Glamorous? How about with a stump? Tres chic!
Diabetics who smoke are three times as likely to die of cardiovascular disease as other people with diabetes. THREE TIMES.
Smoking raises your blood sugar level.
Smoking can cause impotence. Let me say that again. Smoking can cause impotence.
Look, I understand being weak. I had a Reeses peanut butter cup today because I just couldn’t be diabetic for about ten minutes. I’m paying for it now and will probably end up eating lettuce and paper for dinner now, but good lord, was that a good Reeses. So I get how hard it is to avoid problem behaviors.
But smoking on top of your diabetes is just crazy. When we were diagnosed with our disease, we all gave up things that were now unhealthy for us. But giving up something that was already killing you? Of all the things you can do to instantly improve your health, quitting smoking is by far the most important.
(via The American Diabetes Association)
