Diabetes UK supports the ban on smoking in closed public places, including the workplace, across the UK.
There are over 2.2 million people with diabetes in the UK.*
Everyone risks damaging their health through smoking, but for people with diabetes the risk is even higher.
The effects of passive smoking can also be very damaging. Short term exposure to tobacco smoke also has a measurable effect on the heart in non-smokers. Just 30 minutes exposure is enough to reduce coronary blood flow.** People with diabetes are already at increased risk of heart disease, stroke and other circulatory problems. Smoking doubles the risk of these problems again and doubles the chances of developing erectile dysfunction and kidney problems.***
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main cause of death in people with Type 2 and is two- to fourfold more frequent than in those who do not have diabetes.^
Over 15 per cent of people with diabetes in England still smoke.^^
People with diabetes who smoke should be encouraged and supported to stop smoking.
References
* – Diabetes:state of the Nations 2006. Diabetes UK 2007.
** - Otsuka, R. Acute effects of passive smoking on the coronary circulation in healthy young adults. JAMA 2001; 286: 436-441
*** - Haire-Joshu D, Glasgow RE, Tibbes TL. Smoking and Diabetes. Diabetes Care 1999; 22:1887-98
^ - Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews 2004 Nov-Dec Vol 20 Suppl 2 pages S1-S8 "Glucose control in Diabetes" authors Valeri, C. Pozzilli, P. Leslie, D.
^^ - National Diabetes Support Team Factsheet No. 15. Quality and Outcomes Framework. January 2006
June 2007