Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

Which statement about smoking and diabetes is NOT correct?

1. Smokers develop microvascular complications earlier.

2. Smoking increases the risk of premature death.

3. Tobacco use exacerbates peripheral artery disease.

4. Smoking cessation is less effective for those with diabetes.

The correct answer is: Smoking cessation is less effective for those with diabetes.

The assertion regarding smoking cessation being less effective for individuals with diabetes is not correct because evidence suggests that smoking cessation programs can be just as effective for people with diabetes as they are for those without the condition. The belief that individuals with diabetes may struggle more with quitting smoking lacks substantial support and does not take into account the various resources and services available for smoking cessation. In contrast, smokers do tend to develop microvascular complications, such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy, earlier compared to non-smokers. This accelerated risk is due to the adverse effects of smoking on blood circulation and overall metabolic health. Moreover, smoking has been consistently linked to an increased risk of premature death, driven largely by its contribution to cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses, and various cancers. In patients with diabetes, these risks are compounded, pushing their mortality rates higher than those of non-smokers. Finally, tobacco use indeed exacerbates peripheral artery disease, which is particularly concerning for individuals with diabetes who already face increased risks for vascular complications. Smoking can lead to the narrowing of blood vessels, further restricting blood flow and heightening the likelihood of severe complications. These details emphasize the significant and harmful interaction between tobacco use and diabetes, supporting the importance of effective smoking