[Smoking, alcohol and diabetes (Update 2019)]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Endocrinology
• Cardiology

Background:

• Smoking and second-hand smoke are major risk factors for diabetes incidence and complications.
• Smoking cessation, while beneficial for mortality, can transiently increase diabetes risk and cause weight gain.
• Moderate alcohol consumption may be associated with reduced risks of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, though this requires cautious interpretation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the impact of smoking and alcohol consumption on diabetes and cardiovascular health.
• To highlight strategies for smoking cessation and their associated outcomes.
• To discuss the dual role of alcohol in health and disease.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature on smoking, alcohol, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
• Analysis of factors influencing smoking cessation success, including diagnostics and pharmacotherapy.
• Evaluation of dose-dependent effects of alcohol on morbidity and mortality.

Main Results:

• Smoking is a strong risk factor for diabetes and its complications.
• Smoking cessation reduces cardiovascular and overall mortality, despite potential short-term weight gain and diabetes risk.
• Effective smoking cessation relies on basal diagnostics (Fagerström Test, exhaled CO) and pharmacotherapy (Varenicline, Nicotine Replacement Therapy, Bupropion).
• Socio-economic and psychological factors are crucial for smoking cessation.
• Moderate alcohol intake may lower diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk, but studies may have biases.
• Alcohol consumption, particularly at higher doses, increases morbidity and mortality from various diseases, including cancer and liver conditions.

Conclusions:

• Smoking cessation is vital for reducing mortality, with established methods to manage associated risks.
• While moderate alcohol consumption might have some benefits, its overall negative impact on health at higher doses is significant.
• Comprehensive strategies addressing behavioral, psychological, and pharmacological aspects are essential for effective smoking cessation programs.