The Complex Challenge of Smoking Cessation for Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes

Introduction

This article discusses the dangers to individuals with type 2 diabetes due to smoking and factors that cause a hindrance or fully prohibit these individuals from quitting. Regardless of the information proving these dangers, there are still many people with type 2 diabetes who continue to smoke. The information in this study is meant to discuss the reasons these individuals continue to smoke and the types of obstacles that may prevent them from quitting smoking or that may help them quit smoking. It is also meant to explore the concept that living with diabetes and gender may play a role in how difficult it is for those with type 2 diabetes to quit smoking.

The Nexus of Type 2 Diabetes and Smoking

The article is a report of an explorative qualitative study done based on two focus groups. The research was gathered by interviewing a number of people who either continued to smoke or used to smoke while living with type 2 diabetes. Researchers first noted details about each participant’s specific habits and relationships with tobacco and smoking. The information was gathered after a series of ten interviews was conducted with the participants, followed by a series of more focused interviews in order to compare and contrast findings. The target audience for this article was individuals in their mid-to late-forties who live with type 2 diabetes and smoke regularly. Participants were either still smokers or had been smokers in the past and had all been diagnosed with type two diabetes within the last nine years. On average, they were fifty-nine years old, and both men and women were included in the study.

It is informative because the participants may be unaware of the consequences directly related to type two diabetes that come from smoking. Continued use of tobacco can cause changes in blood sugar levels that may require more or less insulin than usual. (Source?) This effect may be unknown to those recently diagnosed with type two diabetes, and, therefore, they are at high risk for [insert health risk (idk what happens when you have low/high insulin)] as opposed to those without type two diabetes who may only have the typical risks related to tobacco use.

Insights from an Explorative Qualitative Study

One interesting fact was about how much habit and association can factor into the difficulty that comes with quitting smoking. Certain times of day or activities become hard to get through without having the cigarette that usually goes along with them. Half of the participants, both men and women, mentioned that refraining from smoking after lunch or dinner was the most difficult part of an attempt to quit or reduce smoking (Georges et al., 2019). The differences in awareness and patterns between men and women were surprising. For example, “Women tend to pay greater attention to avoiding smoking in front of non-smokers than men.

However, certain men showed more concern if smoking increased health problems for their partner, for example an asthmatic partner.” (Georges et al., 2019, p.9). Additionally, both males and females felt having a grandchild would motivate them to stop smoking. (source?) The birth of a new family member influenced both males and females to quit in order to reach a level of better health that allowed them to be active in the child’s life. (Source?) There were many differences between genders throughout this study; however, certain aspects revealed similarities. (How does this relate to type 2 diabetes, though?)

Impact on Clinical Practice and Patient Care

The information found in this study will be helpful in my clinical practice. If I have a patient with type two diabetes who struggles with smoking, I will be better equipped to understand their underlying needs. Ultimately, I plan to help them find ways of quitting and suggest the right methods that may adhere to their specific needs. I will also have a better idea of what types of questions to ask them and things to look out for as they continue treatment.

Beyond the assistance I can provide relating to quitting smoking, it is also important for me to know what risks stem from smoking. Seeing how closely the habit of smoking can truly affect someone’s life and routine reminds me that it may affect patients who may even be treated for something unrelated to smoking. Keeping this in mind allows me to provide well-rounded care to those I am treating. I would recommend this article to other students because I believe this information could be helpful to them as well.

This study did inspire me to want to learn more regarding this topic because it mentioned many factors that I was previously unaware of as someone who does not directly have personal experience with a tobacco addiction or type two diabetes. It was interesting to learn that while most participants knew the general dangers of smoking, not many knew about the effects and connections between diabetes and tobacco use. (Source?) Myself and many others may know the common dangers that come from tobacco use, but it is eye-opening to consider how it may affect people with other underlying health conditions.

Conclusion

Ultimately, this study was about smoking while living with type two diabetes and the differences between males and females when it comes to quitting smoking in these situations. Daily routines, social encounters and influences, self-image, and other stressors all contribute to the struggles of quitting smoking for each gender. No cure or solution to quitting was learned from the study, likely because they all were living under different conditions with different motivations and stressors in their lives. The balance of lifestyle and health extends beyond medical treatment, even though they are largely related to one another. Although no specific solution was obtained, the study was still very useful and informative for both those with type two diabetes and those without. (There was no comparison to those without type 2 diabetes.)

References

Georges, J. M., Galbatti, M., & Claire, C. (2019). Gender differences in quitting smoking among individuals with type 2 diabetes: An explorative qualitative study. Journal of Diabetes Research, 2019, 123456