Everyone knows the harmful effects that smoking has, but for a person with diabetes it is especially important not to smoke. The good news for those who do smoke is that no matter how long you’ve smoked, your health will improve after you’ve quit.

Smoking damages and constricts blood vessels, and that can lead to foot ulcers, blood vessel disease, and leg and foot infections. It also raises your blood sugar levels which makes it harder to control diabetes. Another good reason to quit is that smoking raises blood pressure and can lead to heart disease. In fact, according to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes who smoke are three times more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than are other people with diabetes.

Because nicotine is so addictive, you may want to ask your doctor for help in quitting. There are many methods you can try that will assist you in quitting, and the outcome will be well worthwhile.