People who use e-cigarettes, traditional cigarettes, or both are at a heightened risk of developing diabetes, according to new research from the University of Georgia. The study highlights a significant correlation between smoking habits and the likelihood of being diagnosed with prediabetes and diabetes compared to nonsmokers.
Lead author Sulakshan Neupane, a doctoral student at the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, emphasized the potential dangers of e-cigarettes, often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking. “This suggests they may carry a hidden peril and may be quietly contributing to long-term health problems like prediabetes and diabetes,” Neupane stated. “As the use of e-cigarettes rises rapidly, it’s vital we understand their broader health impacts.”
Rising Trends and Health Implications
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a surge in vaping, particularly among youth. This trend could lead to an increase in diabetes rates within this demographic, as suggested by the study’s findings. Researchers discovered that the risk of developing diabetes or prediabetes is notably higher among Hispanic and Black populations in lower socioeconomic conditions, as well as individuals with pre-existing health issues.
By the Numbers
Using over 1.2 million data points from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey, the study found vaping was associated with a 7% increased risk of prediabetes. Smoking traditional cigarettes and cigars raised that risk to 15%. For dual users of cigarettes and e-cigarettes, the risk soared to 28%.
These statistics translate to an additional 7,000 cases of prediabetes annually in the U.S., based on current rates. Moreover, users of cigarettes and both cigarettes and e-cigarettes had higher odds, 7% and 9% respectively, of being diagnosed with diabetes in general.
Demographic Disparities and Lifestyle Factors
The study also examined how various characteristics could exacerbate the risk of diabetes. Overweight or obese individuals who smoked faced increased chances of developing these conditions, with e-cigarette users having worse outcomes than their normal-weight counterparts.
Hispanic, Black, and Asian individuals who smoked or vaped were more likely to be diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes compared to white individuals. Additionally, those in lower income brackets faced a 12% higher risk of both conditions.
“People who aren’t earning enough money experience mental stress and tend to smoke or use alcohol to reduce that stress, which leads to these increased risk factors,” Neupane explained.
Mitigation Through Lifestyle Changes
Despite these risks, the study found that regular exercise could mitigate the risk of prediabetes for smokers, reducing it by 8%. “These findings have important implications for public health efforts to curb smoking and improve diabetes outcomes,” Neupane noted.
Future Implications and Public Health Efforts
The study, published in AJPM Focus, underscores the need for comprehensive public health strategies to address smoking and vaping’s impact on metabolic health. Co-authors of the study include Wojciech J. Florkowski, Professor of Agricultural and Applied Economics, and Chandra Dhakal, a Ph.D. graduate from UGA currently with the CDC Foundation.
As the prevalence of e-cigarette use continues to rise, understanding its full health implications becomes increasingly crucial. The research calls for heightened awareness and preventive measures to combat the growing diabetes risk associated with smoking and vaping.
