What impact does smoking have on diabetes management?

Smoking has a significant negative impact on diabetes management, primarily by increasing the risk of various complications, including cardiovascular disease. Individuals with diabetes already have a heightened risk for cardiovascular problems, and smoking exacerbates this risk by contributing to the development of vascular damage, promoting hypertension, and leading to increased blood clot formation. Furthermore, smoking can impair insulin sensitivity, making it more challenging to manage blood glucose levels effectively.

Additionally, smoking is associated with other complications, such as neuropathy and kidney disease, further complicating the health of a person with diabetes. The inflammatory response triggered by smoking can also interfere with overall diabetes management, making it critical for healthcare providers to address smoking cessation as part of a comprehensive diabetes care plan. Therefore, the choice highlighting the increased risk of complications, particularly cardiovascular disease, is accurately reflecting the dangerous effects of smoking on individuals with diabetes.