New research from the University of Georgia discovers potential health issues for people that use e-cigarettes, cigarettes, or both.
Researchers from UGA found that smokers are more likely to be diagnosed with pre-diabetes and diabetes than nonsmokers. Hispanic, Black, and Asian individuals that smoke or vape are more likely to be diagnosed with prediabetes and diabetes than white people. The risk was 28% higher for those who smoked and vaped.
The use of e-cigarettes is increasing among the youth according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Studies show that diabetes may continue to grow within this demographic as well.
“In an era when e-cigarettes are 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,” said Sulakshan Neupane, lead author of the study and a doctoral student in the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
UGA researchers also found that pre-existing conditions like being overweight could further put smokers at risk for prediabetes and diabetes diagnoses, but exercising regularly cuts the risk of prediabetes for smokers down by 8%.
