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Individuals who utilize e-cigarettes, traditional cigarettes, or both encounter a heightened risk of developing diabetes, as stated in a recent study from the University of Georgia.
The research uncovered that smokers had a significantly higher likelihood of being diagnosed with prediabetes and diabetes than their nonsmoking counterparts.
“In a time where e-cigarettes are promoted as a ‘safer’ substitute for smoking, this indicates they may harbor hidden dangers and contribute to ongoing health issues such as prediabetes and diabetes,” remarked Sulakshan Neupane, the lead author of the study and a doctoral student at UGA’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “As e-cigarette usage escalates rapidly, it’s critical to comprehend their wider health implications. This concern extends beyond the lungs and involves overall body and metabolic well-being.”
The rising trend of electronic cigarette usage, also termed vaping, is especially noticeable among the younger population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The outcomes of this new investigation imply that diabetes rates may keep increasing for this demographic.
Moreover, it was discovered that the likelihood of developing diabetes or prediabetes is even more pronounced among Hispanic and Black communities living in lower socioeconomic conditions, as well as among those with pre-existing health issues.
Combining traditional and e-cigarette usage heightens prediabetes risk by 28%
By analyzing over 1.2 million data points from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey, the researchers examined the correlation between e-cigarette usage and conventional smoking relative to both prediabetes and diabetes diagnoses.
The study indicated that vaping was linked to a 7% heightened risk of prediabetes. Usage of e-cigarettes might induce temporary insulin resistance and weight gain, both of which are risk factors for prediabetes.
Although this may seem to be a minor increase, it equates to an additional 7,000 instances of prediabetes annually in the U.S. based on present statistics.
Utilizing traditional cigarettes and cigars escalated that risk to 15%. Among individuals who both vaped and smoked, the risk surged to 28%.
Users of both cigarette types and e-cigarettes also demonstrated increased probabilities of 7% and 9% respectively for receiving diabetes diagnoses, not just for developing risk factors.
“The use of e-cigarettes alone raises the potential for prediabetes, with dual usage adding further hazards. This research underscores the potential compounding dangers associated with utilizing both product types,” stated Neupane.
Pre-existing conditions and demographics may further heighten diabetes risk
Researchers identified numerous characteristics that could further amplify the chances of being diagnosed with prediabetes and diabetes.
Individuals who are overweight or obese while smoking experienced increased probabilities of developing these conditions, as e-cigarette users with elevated body mass indices faced worse outcomes compared to those who maintained a normal weight.
Hispanic, Black, and Asian individuals who smoked or vaped were more likely to receive prediabetes or diabetes diagnoses in comparison to white individuals.
Individuals belonging to lower income brackets similarly faced a 12% greater risk of both conditions.
“Individuals with insufficient income often experience mental strain and may resort to smoking or alcohol as coping mechanisms, which results in these elevated risk factors,” asserted Neupane.
Conversely, engaging in regular physical activity made a significant difference, reducing the risk of prediabetes for smokers by 8%, which researchers assert presents an opportunity for mitigation.
“These findings carry significant implications for public health initiatives aimed at reducing smoking and enhancing diabetes outcomes,” concluded Neupane.
This research has been published in AJPM Focus. Co-authors include Agricultural and Applied Economics Professor Wojciech J. Florkowski and Chandra Dhakal, a Ph.D. graduate from UGA who presently works for the CDC Foundation.
The post Smoking or vaping may elevate your diabetes risk first appeared on UGA Today.
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