Smoking linked to increased risk of type 2 diabetes

Published: Monday, September 15, 2025 at 7:08 pm

Smoking Significantly Increases Risk of Type 2 Diabetes, Study Finds

A new study presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes meeting reveals a strong link between smoking and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The research, led by Emmy Keysendal from the Karolinska Institute, analyzed data from thousands of participants in diabetes studies. The findings indicate that individuals who have ever smoked face a heightened risk of all four subtypes of type 2 diabetes.

The study found that smokers are more than twice as likely to develop severe insulin-resistant diabetes compared to non-smokers. Furthermore, smokers also face an elevated risk of other subtypes, including insulin-dependent, obesity-related, and age-related diabetes. Heavy smokers, defined as those who smoked 20 cigarettes a day for 15 years, experienced even greater risks across all subtypes.

Researchers estimate that smoking is responsible for over a third of insulin-resistant type 2 diabetes cases. The study suggests that smoking may contribute to diabetes by impairing the body's ability to effectively use insulin. The research also highlights that individuals with a high genetic predisposition to impaired insulin secretion are at an even greater risk of developing severe insulin-resistant diabetes. The study's authors emphasize the importance of smoking cessation in preventing type 2 diabetes and suggest that genetic information could help identify individuals who would benefit most from support in quitting smoking.

BNN's Perspective: This study underscores the well-established health risks associated with smoking. While the findings are preliminary and require peer review, the data further reinforces the need for public health initiatives aimed at reducing smoking rates. Encouraging smoking cessation, particularly among those with a family history of diabetes, is crucial for mitigating the rising prevalence of this chronic disease.

Keywords: smoking, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, insulin-dependent diabetes, obesity-related diabetes, age-related diabetes, heavy smoking, smoking cessation, genetic risk, health risks

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