Jackson, Miss. — As we continue to recognize National Diabetes Month, the Mississippi State Department of Health is highlighting a major risk factor of the deadly chronic disease: smoking.
“If you smoke, you are 30 to 40 percent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than someone who doesn’t,” said Tiffany Johnson, Interim Director of the Office of Tobacco Control at MSDH.
Smoking not only increases your risk of developing diabetes, but it also impacts how well your insulin works. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the chemicals found in cigarettes cause cellular inflammation, which results in less response to insulin. Diabetics who smoke require higher doses of insulin to manage their blood sugar levels.
MSDH offers free programs by phone or text to support those who are quitting smoking, including professional counseling seven days a week and nicotine replacement resources. We also offer diabetes prevention and management programs to further support overall wellness and health through medication management and lifestyle modifications.
“We offer specific one-on-one support,” said Johnson. “We want to see you succeed in your quit journey. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW and let’s get started. And, if you want support for diabetes, the Health Department can help, too.”
Youth and young adults ages 13 to 24 who vape can also get help by texting VapefreeMS to 88709.
“Diabetes is a disease with serious health consequences, but it is also controllable and preventable,” said Jayda Lee, MSDH Director of the Diabetes Prevention and Control Program. “About 1 in 7 Mississippians are living with diabetes, placing the state in the top five nationally for diabetes rates.”
Quitting smoking is always a healthy choice. To learn more about our programs, visit msdh.ms.gov/diabetes
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Press Contact: MSDH Office of Communications, (601) 576-7667
Note to media: After hours or during emergencies, call (601) 576-7400
