Research Links Smoking to Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Across Subtypes

A recent study presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) annual meeting in Vienna has revealed significant findings regarding the impact of smoking on the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D), irrespective of its various subtypes. The research underscores that smoking is a potent risk factor for T2D, highlighting the necessity for smoking cessation as a crucial measure in diabetes prevention.

The study involved collaboration among researchers from Sweden, Norway, and Finland, who aimed to explore the relationship between smoking and the four proposed subtypes of T2D: severe insulin-resistant diabetes (SIRD), severe insulin-deficient diabetes (SIDD), mild obesity-related diabetes (MOD), and mild age-related diabetes (MARD). These subtypes are characterized by different physiological mechanisms, yet the study found that the risk associated with smoking transcends these distinctions.

Data from a comprehensive diabetes study involving 3,325 individuals with T2D and 3,897 control participants were analyzed. The findings indicated that individuals who had ever smoked, whether currently or in the past, faced a heightened risk of all four subtypes compared to non-smokers. The strongest correlation was noted for SIRD, with ever smokers being over twice as likely (2.15 times) to develop this subtype than those who had never smoked. In contrast, the risk increments for SIDD, MOD, and MARD were 20%, 29%, and 27%, respectively.

Furthermore, it was estimated that smoking accounted for more than one-third of SIRD cases, while contributing to less than 15% of cases for the other subtypes. The study also identified a concerning trend among heavy smokers (defined as smoking 15 or more pack-years), who exhibited even greater risks across all four subtypes. Heavy smokers were found to be 2.35 times more likely to develop SIRD compared to non-smokers, with significant increases for SIDD, MOD, and MARD as well.

Additionally, the research examined the interplay between smoking and genetic predisposition to diabetes. It revealed that individuals with a genetic susceptibility to T2D, particularly those with reduced insulin secretion, demonstrated an elevated risk when combined with heavy smoking. For instance, individuals who smoked heavily and possessed a high genetic risk for impaired insulin secretion had a staggering 3.52-fold increase in the likelihood of developing SIRD.

The study's lead researcher emphasized the clear link between smoking and the increased risk of type 2 diabetes, affirming that this association holds true across all subtypes. The findings strongly advocate for public health initiatives aimed at promoting smoking cessation as a vital component in reducing the incidence of type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, genetic insights could be utilized to identify individuals who may require additional support in their efforts to quit smoking, thereby enhancing diabetes prevention strategies.