Smoking in Adults with Diabetes

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), persons with diabetes are at increased risk of complications from cardiovascular disease, such as stroke, congestive heart failure, and angina. Smoking cigarettes further increases this risk. Smoking increases the risk of renal (kidney) damage and is associated with worsening retinopathy, especially in young smokers.

• In Virginia, in 2005, 20.6 percent of adults were current smokers.
• Persons with diabetes (14.8%) are less likely to smoke than those without diabetes (21.1%).
• Smoking is the sole risk factor in which persons with diabetes are performing better than those without diabetes.

Healthy People 2010 Objective:
There is no HP2010 Objective specifically for persons with diabetes.

American Diabetes Association Recommendation:
Persons with diabetes are encouraged not to begin smoking, or to quit smoking.

Source: VA BRFSS, 1999-2005
Data Note: Percents are weighted towards annual population estimates.

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