Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy.1 Most of the food a person eats is turned into glucose (a kind of sugar) for the body’s cells to use for energy. The pancreas, an organ near the stomach, makes a hormone called insulin that helps glucose get into the body’s cells.
When you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use insulin very well. When there isn’t enough insulin, or cells stop responding to insulin, too much sugar stays in your bloodstream. Over time, that can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease.1
There are three types of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes is thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction (the body attacks itself by mistake) that stops your body from making insulin. Fewer people have type 1 diabetes, which is most often diagnosed in children, adolescents, or young adults.1
- Type 2 diabetes develops over many years and is usually diagnosed in adults, but is increasingly being diagnosed in children, teens, and young adults. About 90%-95% of people with diabetes have type 2. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed with healthy lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, eating healthy foods, and being active. 1
- Gestational diabetes develops in pregnant women who have never had diabetes. While it usually goes away after pregnancy, gestational diabetes increases a woman’s risk for type 2 diabetes later in life. The condition can also increase a baby’s risk for health problems.1
For additional information about diabetes, including symptoms, risk factors, and testing, please visit CDC’s Diabetes Basics.
FAQs
How Does Smoking Affect Diabetes? Smoking cigarettes makes managing diabetes more difficult. People with diabetes are especially affected by tobacco smoke. The high levels of nicotine from smoking cigarettes can make the cells in your body less responsive to insulin, which makes your blood sugar levels higher.
Does quitting smoking reduce diabetes? ›
If you have diabetes and you smoke, quitting smoking will benefit your health right away. People with diabetes who quit are better able to manage their blood sugar levels. For free help to quit, call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit CDC.gov/tips.
How much does smoking raise blood sugar? ›
Even if you don't have diabetes, smoking can mess with your blood sugar levels and increase your risk of getting diabetes by 30% to 40%. In fact, a 2016 study found that compared to people who smoked, non-smokers generally had lower hemoglobin A1C levels (a measure of how much sugar is in your blood).
How can I be a healthy smoker? ›
When it comes to cancer prevention, the damaging effects of smoking can't be reversed by exercise or a healthy diet. There's no such thing as a healthy smoker - especially when it comes to cancer prevention.
Can you reverse type 2 diabetes? ›
There's no cure for diabetes and no way to completely get rid of it. However, diabetes can be reversed in most people. Reversing diabetes means carefully managing blood sugars to a point where medications are no longer necessary, and staying at that manageable point through a healthy routine of diet and exercise.
Can you smoke cigarettes while taking metformin? ›
In type 2 diabetes patients, concurrent treatment with metformin attenuates the observed higher cardiovascular and mortality risk in ex- and current smokers. In addition to smoking cessation support, treatment with metformin, particularly in ex- and current smokers, should be encouraged.
What happens to insulin when you quit smoking? ›
The longer you go without cigarettes, the better your insulin resistance will get. If you don't already have T2D, you may be more likely to get it when you first stop smoking. Your chances are highest the first 2 years after you quit.
Does smokeless tobacco raise blood sugar? ›
Using spit tobacco (chew or snuff) or e- cigarettes is not a safe alternative to smoking. Tobacco use can raise your blood glucose (sugar) and reduce your body's ability to use insulin, making it harder to control your diabetes.
What are the signs of a diabetic person? ›
Symptoms
- Feeling more thirsty than usual.
- Urinating often.
- Losing weight without trying.
- Presence of ketones in the urine. ...
- Feeling tired and weak.
- Feeling irritable or having other mood changes.
- Having blurry vision.
- Having slow-healing sores.
Background: Smoking is known to be closely related with cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Studies have shown that smoking increases hemoglobin A1c levels in patients with diabetes.
Nicotine can make your blood sugar level go up or down. The chemical alters the way your body can use glucose, the sugar in your blood that fuels your cells. It could raise your odds of getting type 2 diabetes, and it can make your diabetes worse.
Is it OK to stop smoking suddenly? ›
When you stop, your body and brain have to get used to not having nicotine. This can be uncomfortable, but nicotine withdrawal can't hurt you – unless you give in and have a cigarette! Over time, withdrawal symptoms will fade as long as you stay smokefree.
Does smoking burn belly fat? ›
Smoking may lead to more belly fat, a new study suggests. Here's why that's concerning. Rather than help weight loss, smoking leads to more abdominal fat, a new study found.
What drink is good for smokers? ›
Best Detox Drinks For Smokers
- Water. Water is a magical drink for your body! ...
- Antioxidants. Antioxidants are also an essential component of a detox diet for smokers. ...
- Detox-water. Water infused with fruits, vegetables, or herbs that are believed to have high detoxifying properties. ...
- Spices. ...
- Green tea. ...
- Breathing exercises.
Knowing what to avoid consuming when trying to quit smoking will help, too. Foods and drinks that have been shown to enhance the taste of cigarettes and trigger a craving to smoke include alcohol, caffeine, meat and sugary or spicy foods.
Does tobacco increase blood sugar? ›
Tobacco use can raise your blood glucose (sugar) and reduce your body's ability to use insulin, making it harder to control your diabetes. Even one cigarette, e-cigarette or small amount of chewing tobacco is harmful.
What are the main causes of type 2 diabetes? ›
Overweight, obesity, and physical inactivity
You are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you are not physically active and are overweight or have obesity. Extra weight sometimes causes insulin resistance and is common in people with type 2 diabetes.
How to reduce blood sugar level immediately? ›
The fastest way to lower blood sugar is to take fast-acting insulin medication. Exercise can also help to bring down blood sugar levels quickly. Diet and lifestyle changes can help manage overall blood sugar levels, but for immediate action, prescription medication or medical assistance may be necessary.
Does blood sugar rise if you fast too long? ›
Fasting doesn't usually cause high blood sugar, but it's possible. If you already have diabetes, you may experience an early-morning increase in blood sugar, known as the dawn phenomenon.
