How does smoking affect diabetes?

Question: How does smoking affect diabetes?

Answer: We've all been told and know that smoking is bad for us. But does smoking increase blood sugar? The answer, according to research, is a resounding YES. Smoking can cause extremely high sugars (called hyperglycemia). Smoking can raise your blood sugar 15% in just 30 minutes. For my patients that I have not been able to persuade to stop smoking, I highly advise them not to specifically smoke before they get their blood tests done because it can interfere with their actual sugar readings.

Additionally, research published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that smoking can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes three-fold over a non-smoker. Overall, it doesn't pay to smoke--especially if you have diabetes.