Adolescent Substance Abuse Articles
Smokers with diabetes are at higher risk for heart disease
By Staff Writer
Nicotine is one of the most heavily used addictive drugs, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. It has also been said that cigarettes can lead to other forms of addiction and require users to seek substance abuse help at drug rehab facilities.
Smoking is common among children and young adults with diabetes. However, individuals with this chronic disease are also at high risk for developing heart disease. A recent report by the SEARCH Study Group examined the possible link between nicotine and heart disease.
In the study, researchers examined potential risk factors in a racially and ethnically diverse group of 3,466 children and young adults. All individuals were between the ages of 10 and 22 and had diabetes.
The researchers found that 10 percent of youth with type 1 diabetes and 16 percent of youth with type 2 diabetes used a tobacco product. This group was also found to have higher levels of cholesterol and other traits that are considered risks for heart disease.
Of the youth participants who smoked, less than half also reported that they had been counseled by their health care provider to not smoke or quit their habit. Based on the results of this study, the researchers feel that aggressive smoking prevention and cessation programs are needed to prevent the risk of cardiovascular disease in the diabetic population.
