Impact of smoking and nicotine addiction on HbA1c levels and diabetic microvascular complications

Introduction. In this study we aimed to determine whether a difference in complications between smok­ers and non-smokers exists in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to evaluate if there is a correlation between microvascular complications and Fagerström test score. Material and methods. Patients with T2DM who at­tended the family medicine outpatient clinics were enrolled in the study. Smokers and non-smokers were compared according to their metabolic outcomes and presence of microvasculer complications. The level of smoking addiction was determined by Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence. Results. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), low-density lipoprotein, systolic and diastolic blood pressures were found to be higher in smokers. The presence of neuropathy was significantly higher in smokers. The presence of retinopathy rate increased with increasing level of smoking addiction. The nicotine dependence test score were found to be positively correlated with HbA1c and FBG levels whereas, negatively correlated with body mass index among smokers. Conclusions. Assessing the cigarette smoking status of diabetic patients at the initial clinic visit and indicating the importance of smoking cessation should be the essential part of diabetes follow up program