M. Smith, a 42-year-old man who lives in Madison County, decided to quit smoking because he watched the combination of diabetes and smoking damage his father’s body.
“I quit smoking on February 14, 2022. It was hard at first, but I am so glad I did it.” Smith added, “I’ve seen how my dad keeps smoking, keeps using more and more insulin, and still feels awful most days.”
“Mississippians who smoke are 30 to 40% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who don’t smoke.”, said Victor Sutton, Ph.D., director of preventive health and health equity at the Mississippi State Department of Health.
Every year approximately 20,433 Mississippians are diagnosed with diabetes, and in 2020 Mississippi reported 20.1% of its adult population smoked daily, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Quitting smoking is always a healthy choice,” said Kathryn Allman, director of the Mississippi Tobacco-Free Coalition of Choctaw, Montgomery and Webster counties.
Allman reminds all Mississippians that the Health Department stands ready to support you on your smoke-free journey.
“Quitting smoking was difficult, but I’m so glad I did it. I don’t have diabetes, but my dad does. I’ve watched him get sicker and sicker. I don’t want my life to be like that.” said Rusty, another former smoker.
The CDC states that 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.
“One call to 1-800-QUIT-NOW can change your life for the better. We offer one on one support and want to see you succeed!” said Kathryn Allman
For information about the dangers of cigarettes visit www.healthyms.com/tobacco For help with quitting visit www.quitlinems.com or call the Mississippi Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
