Quitting Smoking Emerges as Key Strategy, Slashing Risk of Type 2 Diabetes by 30–40%

In a groundbreaking collaborative effort between the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and the University of Newcastle, a newly unveiled brief reveals a startling finding: quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by an impressive 30–40%. The IDF's estimate of 537 million diabetes cases globally highlights the urgency of addressing this escalating health concern, with diabetes ranking as the ninth leading cause of death worldwide. With type 2 diabetes accounting for over 95% of all diabetes cases, the revelation that it is largely preventable marks a pivotal moment in diabetes management. The ramifications of quitting smoking extend far beyond reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes; it also substantially enhances diabetes management while mitigating the risk of complications associated with the disease. Scientific evidence underscores how smoking adversely affects the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels, a factor directly linked to the onset of type 2 diabetes. Moreover, smoking amplifies the vulnerability to diabetes-related complications, including cardiovascular ailments, kidney failure, and vision impairment. It even hampers wound healing, escalating the likelihood of lower limb amputations, thereby imposing a considerable burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Prof. Akhtar Hussain, President of the International Diabetes Federation, passionately advocates for smoking cessation as a means to curb diabetes risk and prevent associated complications. The call for governments to implement policies discouraging smoking and ensuring smoke-free environments in all public spaces aligns with this urgent plea. This revelation signifies that quitting smoking transcends the realm of healthier lungs and hearts; it stands as a tangible measure in significantly reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Dr. Ruediger Krech, WHO's Director of Health Promotion, emphasizes the pivotal role of healthcare professionals in motivating and guiding individuals with type 2 diabetes toward tobacco cessation. Additionally, the imperative for governments to enforce smoke-free indoor public places, workplaces, and public transport surfaces as critical shields against the onset and progression of multiple chronic diseases, including diabetes.