Archive · 8 Sep 2026
New Guidance Makes Smoking Cessation Part of Diabetes Care
Smoking is especially risky for people with Type 2 diabetes.
It can make heart, blood vessel and kidney problems more likely.
A new group of experts says doctors should help patients quit as part of regular diabetes treatment.
They say people should not have to depend on willpower alone.
Counselling and medicines can be used together to make quitting easier.
Some people may gain weight or have changes in blood sugar after quitting.
Doctors should check on patients within two weeks and again after four weeks.
If someone starts smoking again, that is a sign they need more support, not that they have personally failed.
An international panel issued 34 recommendations for treating smoking cessation as part of Type 2 diabetes care.
Smoking raises the risks of coronary heart disease, stroke and heart attack by about 52 to 54 per cent among people with diabetes.
The guidance recommends combining a quit date, structured behavioural counselling, medication and early follow-up.
Varenicline is recommended first when available, with nicotine-replacement therapy and bupropion listed as alternatives.
Patients should be monitored after quitting for changes in glucose, weight, blood pressure and medicine interactions.
- Who
- The DiaSmokeFree Working Group, a panel of 35 experts from 13 countries, including Dr Anoop Misra and Professor Riccardo Polosa.
- What
- The group issued 34 evidence-informed recommendations for smoking cessation among people with Type 2 diabetes.
- When
- The recommendations were published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice; the article gives no publication date.
- Where
- The recommendations apply to diabetes services internationally, with Dr Anoop Misra highlighting gaps in India.
- Why
- Smoking substantially increases vascular and cardiovascular risks in people with diabetes, so cessation should be integrated into diabetes management.
- Expert panel
- 35 experts from 13 countries
- Recommendations
- 34 evidence-informed recommendations
- Coronary heart disease risk
- About 54 per cent higher for smokers with diabetes than non-smokers with diabetes
- Stroke risk
- About 54 per cent higher for smokers with diabetes
- Myocardial infarction risk
- About 52 per cent higher for smokers with diabetes
- First-line medicine
- Varenicline where available
- Follow-up
- Review within two weeks and again at four weeks