Chances of developing type 2 diabetes are much higher for smokers compared to nonsmokers. The number of cigarettes smoked per day directly correlates to the risk of developing diabetes. The more cigarettes you smoke, the higher your chances. Not only does smoking increase your chances of developing the disease, it can wreak havoc for those who already have type 2 diabetes. It causes trouble with insulin dosing and overall management of the disease. Regardless of what type of diabetes you have, smoking makes diabetes more difficult to control.

Mood changes are a common experience in people with diabetes. These mood changes can be accredited to various factors including rapid changes in blood sugars, the stresses of managing a chronic illness every day, or depression. It’s important to understand how to support positive mental health, as well as how to recognize signs of depression in order to seek help if needed.

Sleep deprivation is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes, yet it is often overlooked. We typically focus on things such as family history, eating habits, and weight, but both quantity and quality of sleep are also factors in the development of type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, people with diabetes are more likely to have a sleep disorder causing sleep deprivation. Lack of sleep in relation to diabetes is a vicious cycle of one causing the other.

While we are anxiously awaiting the release of a COVID-19 vaccine, it is important to make sure you are up to date with all other necessary vaccinations. People with diabetes are at a greater risk of complications from certain vaccine-preventable diseases, just like with COVID-19. Thousands of adults get sick each year from diseases that could have been prevented by a vaccine. Get vaccinated to stay healthy – especially if you have diabetes.

Diabetes education is a key component of the successful management of diabetes. The diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) Consensus Report was just released and includes key information for healthcare providers in addressing needs for type 2 diabetes education. The report addresses potential solutions to access and utilization barriers, as well as discussing methods of improving health, clinical care, and education services and reducing diabetes-associated per capita health care costs.