Medical fraternity is now increasingly concerned over controlling the health hazards resulting from smoking. The growing consumption of cigarette is now seen to be a leading cause of heart disease. Smokers with diabetes mellitus have a higher chance of stroke.

On the occasion of the World Tobacco Day observed annually on May 31, medical professionals are coping with the challenge to control smoking among their patients . The medical experts see an alarming rise of cardiovascular disease and diabetes posing a serious risk to the longevity of the patients.

For people with diabetes, heart disease is a common and serious health condition. But diabetic patients need understand their heart disease risk and what needs to be down to lower the chances of mortality, stated Dr. Sanjiv Agarwal, founder,  Diabetacare.

“There is need to stopping smoking and especially those with diabetes are need to be cautious. This is because both smoking and diabetes narrow blood vessels. Further, smoking also increases the risk of other long-term complications, such as eye problems. In addition, smoking also damages the blood vessels of the legs, thus increasing the risk of amputation”, he added.

The diabetics are about two to four times riskier to suffer stroke which affects fewer patients overall than heart disease. Therefore diabetes is a serious condition. Patients need to adhere to a treatment protocol round-the-clock and the effort is worthwhile because it reduces the chances of life-threatening complications, said Dr. Agarwal.

According to the Indus Health Plus Healthcare Abnormality Report January 2013 April 2014, almost 18-20 per cent of tobacco consumers are at a higher risk of suffering from sudden cardiac arrest. 15-20 per cent of families with parents who smoke, children also developed the habit of smoking.

The tobacco consumption is prevalent among working professionals both men and women. Stress is also seen to have increased the consumption. Almost 40 per cent of BPO/ITES professionals both men and women are heavy smokers, stated the Indus Health Plus report.